
'Caring' and 'homely' are the best words to describe this wonderful place.W B(Son of Resident/Service User)

After just the first few days I am impressed by the way the friendly caring staff have helpedKeith D(Husband of Resident/Service User)

I'm truly amazed at how well she has settled in and now sees it as her home. It makes visiting a joyD M(Daughter of Resident/Service User)

'Caring' and 'homely' are the best words to describe this wonderful place.W B(Son of Resident/Service User)

After just the first few days I am impressed by the way the friendly caring staff have helpedKeith D(Husband of Resident/Service User)

I'm truly amazed at how well she has settled in and now sees it as her home. It makes visiting a joyD M(Daughter of Resident/Service User)

Stirlings offers compassionate, individualised residential, early-stage dementia and respite 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...
Care Provided by Stirlings
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 40 Service Users
Dementia Care TypesMild Dementia
Someone living with our definition of "mild dementia" might experience some or all of the following:
- Memory problems such as misplacing items and not be able to recall recent events (however, in some forms of dementia a person's memory may be unchanged)
- Difficulties thinking through problems and planning, making decisions
- Language and communication issues such as finding it difficult to recall the appropriate word in a conversation or following a conversation
- Poor orientation, getting lost in areas previously familiar to them
- Difficulty judging distances (more falls than usual)
- Changes in their normal mood including anxiety and depression
- In certain types of dementia, personality and behaviour changes may be present alongside or instead of issues with memory or concentration.
Moderate Dementia
Someone living with our definition of "moderate dementia" might experience some or all of the following:
- Worsened memory problems. Not always recognising own family members and friends. Repeating the same questions over and over again
- Worsened language and communication issues, forgetting what they are saying mid-sentence. Not being able to understand what someone else is saying
- More frequent confusion, e.g. about the time of day or where they are, including their own home
- Apathy, depression and anxiety
- Believing things that aren't true (paranoia)
- Frequent hallucinations
- Lack of emotional control, quick to anger, fearfulness, sadness
- Loss of inhibition
- Difficulties sleeping or waking during the night and behaving as though it is daytime - loss of circadian rhythm.
Advanced Dementia
Someone living with our definition of "severe dementia" might experience some or all of the following:
- Severe memory problems. Not recognising family members and friends. Not being able to recall their own name
- Severe language and communication issues, not being able to understand what someone else is saying
- Severe confusion, e.g. about the time of day or where they are, including their own home
- Apathy, depression and anxiety
- Believing things that aren't true (paranoia)
- Frequent hallucinations
- Lack of emotional control, quick to anger, fearfulness, sadness
- Loss of inhibition
- Difficulties sleeping or waking during the night and behaving as though it is daytime - loss of circadian rhythm.
Verbally or physically aggressive behaviour
If your loved one displays this type of behaviour you may need a care home that has specially trained staff. Verbal/physical aggression is often defined:
- Consistent shouting and screaming
- Verbal abuse
- Physical abuse
How we define Dementia Care Types
Mild Dementia
Someone living with our definition of "mild dementia" might experience some or all of the following:
- Memory problems such as misplacing items and not be able to recall recent events (however, in some forms of dementia a person's memory may be unchanged)
- Difficulties thinking through problems and planning, making decisions
- Language and communication issues such as finding it difficult to recall the appropriate word in a conversation or following a conversation
- Poor orientation, getting lost in areas previously familiar to them
- Difficulty judging distances (more falls than usual)
- Changes in their normal mood including anxiety and depression
- In certain types of dementia, personality and behaviour changes may be present alongside or instead of issues with memory or concentration.
Moderate Dementia
Someone living with our definition of "moderate dementia" might experience some or all of the following:
- Worsened memory problems. Not always recognising own family members and friends. Repeating the same questions over and over again
- Worsened language and communication issues, forgetting what they are saying mid-sentence. Not being able to understand what someone else is saying
- More frequent confusion, e.g. about the time of day or where they are, including their own home
- Apathy, depression and anxiety
- Believing things that aren't true (paranoia)
- Frequent hallucinations
- Lack of emotional control, quick to anger, fearfulness, sadness
- Loss of inhibition
- Difficulties sleeping or waking during the night and behaving as though it is daytime - loss of circadian rhythm.
Advanced Dementia
Someone living with our definition of "severe dementia" might experience some or all of the following:
- Severe memory problems. Not recognising family members and friends. Not being able to recall their own name
- Severe language and communication issues, not being able to understand what someone else is saying
- Severe confusion, e.g. about the time of day or where they are, including their own home
- Apathy, depression and anxiety
- Believing things that aren't true (paranoia)
- Frequent hallucinations
- Lack of emotional control, quick to anger, fearfulness, sadness
- Loss of inhibition
- Difficulties sleeping or waking during the night and behaving as though it is daytime - loss of circadian rhythm.
Verbally or physically aggressive behaviour
If your loved one displays this type of behaviour you may need a care home that has specially trained staff. Verbal/physical aggression is often defined:
- Consistent shouting and screaming
- Verbal abuse
- Physical abuse
How we define Dementia Care Types
- Mild Dementia
Facilities
- Own Furniture if required
- Pet Friendly (or by arrangement)
- Close to Local shops
- Near Public Transport
- Lift
- Wheelchair Access
- Gardens
- Bar/Café
- Residents Kitchenette
- Television point in own room
- Residents Internet Access
Funding & Fees
Weekly Charges per Person
These services are: Personal care, accommodation,
utilities, use of communal areas, meals, drinks and
snacks, laundry (excluding dry cleaning),
housekeeping, maintenance and activities run by the
home.
physiotherapy, occupational therapy, opticians, hairdressing,
medications, toiletries, clothing, newspapers/magazines.
During your stay, you may need to purchase additional goods
and services. If they are able to provide such goods and
services, they will tell you how much these goods and services
will cost and they expect that you will pay for these goods and
services at the time you request them.
They can accompany loved ones to private appointments,
however the fee attached to this is £21 per hour. Where private taxi
services are used for transportation to appointments the cost should
be paid for by yourself.
The price(s) shown are provided by the care home. Contact Stirlings for full pricing details and T&Cs.
Contact Stirlings to confirm what's included and get a personalised quote:
Funding Types Accepted
- Self-Funding (Private)
- Local Authority with Top-up
- Local Authority
- NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC)
Good to Know
Group / Owner
- The Orders of St John Care Trust
- Voluntary / Not for Profit Owned
Person in charge
- Catherine Barthe (Manager)
Local Authority / Social Services
Admission Information
- Ages 65+
Care Home Design/Build
- Purpose Built: No
Room Information
- Single Rooms (40)
- Single Rooms with ensuite Wet Room (40)
Stirlings Reviews (104)
Stirlings has a Review Score of 9.7 (9.683) out of 10, based on 27 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Stirlings has 104 reviews.
Mum was fiercely independent and the staff were respectful of that and gave Mum the space she sometimes wanted.
Unfortunately Mum needed specialist nursing support and after a spell in hospital we needed to find a nursing home.
We were very sad that we had to move Mum and are very grateful for the 2 years of support that the staff at Stirlings provided both to us and Mum. We felt that we were leaving a whole family and friends behind.
Thank you so much to all the staff, it was not an easy journey but you made the best of it.
Thank you so much for your heartfelt review. It was a privilege to care for your mum over the past two years, and we're so pleased to hear that the team took the time to get to know her, respecting her independence while supporting her in the way that suited her best. We completely understand how...
The home is relaxed comfortable environment for my dad. Dad is a self funder at present. The staff are friendly, helpful, pleasant, and caring to the residents and visitors. We can pop in unannounced if needed to. Dad has mislaid his personal items, leaving them in different places. The staff are excellent tracking these down! The dining area is nicely laid for meals, varied menu's and very nice food. Drinks and snacks from the trolley throughout the day. Weekly dr check for all residents. Excellent dr, reviews medication etc. Hairdresser, chiropodist calls in. Lovely gardens, awning for hot weather, good seating, gardening club, raised beds for helpers (residents) bird box painting, art and crafts, puzzles in day room, seated exercises, ball games (adapted) book club. Lots of events, weekly singer, afternoon tea for residents/visitors on Wednesdays. Excellent activities manager, adapted soft tip darts. Lovely room for dad.
It's lovely to know that the team's friendliness, attentiveness, and help with day-to-day things-like tracking down misplaced items-has been reassuring. We're also delighted you've highlighted the dining experience, regular health support, and the wide range of activities and outings available, as...
My mother of 98 years was looked after for 10 months. She moved care homes when a bed became available in a care home nearer to her previous permanent home and many friends. The managers and staff at Stirlings were excellent. A huge effort was put into caring and entertainment. My mother took up knitting again! Unfortunately, the facilities do not match the care level. There are no ensuite toilets and some rooms are rather small. There is, however, a wonderful big garden which is well cared for.
Thank you very much for taking the time to share your thoughtful review and for entrusting us with your mother's care during her time at Stirlings.
We are delighted to hear that your mother was well supported by our managers and staff, and that she enjoyed the activities and entertainment on...
My mother spent 2 years at Stirlings. She was quite a challenging resident. Despite this the staff treated her with respect, humour and love. We could not have asked for more. When we were forced to move her due to specialist nursing care needs we were all very upset. Thank you to all the staff who became good friends, we will miss you.
Thank you so much for sharing such a heartfelt review. We're truly grateful that your mother spent her time with us at Stirlings, and it means a great deal to hear how warmly supported she was, even through challenging times.
Treating every resident with respect, humour and genuine care is...
The first thing you notice as you enter Stirlings are the smiling faces of all the staff. My brother has been there for just 3 months and is happy and relaxed thanks to their fantastic unending care from all departments. I am grateful to be updated as to how he is which happens each time I visit or by phone. I would like to sincerely express my heartfelt thanks and I have no hesitation to totally recommend Stirlings.
Thank you so much for your lovely feedback and 5-star review. We're really pleased to hear that your brother is happy and relaxed with us and that the warmth of the team made such a positive first impression. Keeping families informed is very important to us, so it's great to know you feel well...
Mum has been in Stirlings for a few months now, she has settled in so well and has made friends with other residents. I have not seen her so happy since she went into care. The staff are amazing, very caring and know the residents so well. As a family we are so happy with the care she is receiving. Mum being happy is all we wanted and Stirlings have done this.
Thank you so much for your lovely feedback. We're delighted to hear that your mum has settled in so well at Stirlings, has made friends, and is so happy - that truly means everything. It's wonderful to know that you feel reassured by the care she's receiving and that our team's kindness and...
Mum has lived at Stirlings for the last six months. As Stirlings is a long way from home, meaning we couldn't visit every day, we were initially worried. However, mum has settled so well, and we feel confident she is well cared for and encouraged to get involved in all activities. She has made friends and is happy and content. Thank you all so much.
Thank you so much for taking the time to share such a kind and thoughtful review. We're delighted to hear that your mum has settled so well at Stirlings and that you feel confident she is safe, well cared for, and encouraged to take part in activities. Knowing that she has made friends and feels...
My mum is given the best care that I could ask for. Very happy.
Thank you for your kind feedback. Were delighted to hear that your mum is happy and receiving the best possible care. Your reassurance means a great deal to our team thank you for taking the time to share it.
I have marked rooms as satisfactory, as I feel some furniture has seen better days, as have some of the facilities.
Activities are terrific - Praise for Angela.
Thank you so much for your lovely review, we are so pleased to read how happy your husband is here at Stirlings. It really is an absolute pleasure caring for him. He really has come into his own recently with our activities, it's so great to see. We are very lucky to have our amazing Angela - so...
I'm very happy with the care my nan receives here, and I love that they are encouraged to join in lots of activities, and all the staff are lovely.
Thank you so much for your very kind words - it's so appreciated. It's an absolute pleasure caring for your nan, she makes us smile so much especially when she's getting involved with our activities and interacting with the team and other residents. It's lovely to see.
My main concern is that my mum is happy, and that certainly seems to be the care. I was worried that she might not settle at Stirlings, but she really seems to be enjoying herself. She is mixing with people far more than before, and taking part in all the activities. Her room is clean when I visit and she usually looks well. The staff are lovely and it's aways nice to see everyone. Well done everyone!
Thank you so much for your lovely feedback. We're delighted to hear that your mum has settled in so well at Stirlings and that she's enjoying herself, getting involved in activities and spending time with others. It's great to know that you feel reassured when you visit and that her room is clean,...
I visit my mother 2 -3 times a week and am always welcomed to stay for a meal and find that the staff are always very friendly and patient with the residents. Facilities and food are always excellent. Many thanks to them all.
Thank you so much for your kind words. Were delighted to hear that you feel so welcome when visiting your mother and that our staff make you feel at home. Its wonderful to know you enjoy the facilities and the meals. Well be sure to pass on your thanks to the team theyll be very pleased to hear it!
Very professional and friendly care environment. Excellent activities provided on a daily basis and all staff supportive towards all service users, residents and families.
Your comments will be shared with the whole team, who work hard...
My father tells me that he feels well cared for. On my visits I hear how kindly the staff speak to the residents. I always feel welcomed. I see how clean the toilets and bathrooms are. The activities programme is varied and stimulating. The food is plentiful and better than I get at home! This is a safe place for your last lap.
Thank you very much for sharing your kind feedback. We're so pleased to hear that your father feels well cared for and that you've experienced the warmth, kindness, and welcome from our team during your visits. Maintaining a clean, comfortable environment and offering engaging activities and...
Lovely care home, like home from home. Very friendly staff always attentive and kind. Great activities which mum loves especially the singing and craft activities. Lovely food and a good variety ensuring mum's needs are met. Mum has flourished in the care home having more companionship and social interaction; and craft activities. Would highly recommend lovely care home.
Wow, what can we say - what a fabulous, detailed review of our home. We are beyond chuffed to read such a positive review for our team and the care we offer but also to understand how much your mum is flourishing. We have loved seeing your mum settle here and enjoying her life , taking part in...
Day out to garden centre and lunch. Excellent day very enjoyable, displays/lights/lunch etc.
We're so glad you had a lovely day, this does sound like a great day out! Where should we go next? It's an absolute pleasure caring for you, you make us smile every day. Thank you for your review.
Mum was moved to Sterings from another, the move happened very quickly and Catherine (the manager of Sterlings) was so helpful, welcomed mum so well and all the staff have helped her settle in so well. The home has such a lovely vibe to it. We are so happy that mum is near to us and being well cared for. Mum has always been anxious before but her cousin noticed a huge difference when she visited her.
Thank you for your lovely review of our home, we are so glad to read that your mum is now settled and enjoying living here with us. It's been great to see her so smiley and interacting with other residents and the team here. Everyone will be so thrilled to read your positive feedback and if we can do anything further for her, please let us know and we'd be happy to oblige.
Lovely residential home. Everyone is well looked after. Food is of great quality and staff are very supportive and caring to residents.
Thank you for leaving us such a lovely review, we are so grateful. Our team will be so thrilled to read how highly you rate the care, food and support your loved one receives with us. If we can assist further please reach out and we'd be happy to accommodate.
Dad has been a resident at Stirling's for 7 months , and ever since he arrived he has been treated with such kindness and respect from all the staff there. It's such a friendly, warm and caring home, and my 92 year old dad couldn't be happier or more settled. There is always some activity being organised by the amazing entertainments staff with lots of interaction and mental stimulation. Everyone works so hard but they're always smiling and willing to help. Dad's room is lovely with a view of the wonderful gardens. We honestly can't recommend Stirlings highly enough.
Thank you so much for your lovely 5-star review of our home, we are truly grateful. The team will be so chuffed to read how highly you rate the care and entertainment here for your dad. It's an absolute pleasure caring for him, he makes us smile every day. If we can be of any further assistance, please don't hesitate to reach out.
In July this year my mother was taken ill at Stirlings and sent into hospital in Oxford. She died a week later and never returned, My mum was in Stirlings for just under a year. She quickly made friends and grew to love the place and the kind caring staff. Our family are so grateful that our mum had her last year of life in a warm, bright clean home. She was treated like a queen by the staff. We will never forget their kindness.
We are so sorry for your loss, it was such an honour caring for your mother - she made us smile every day. We are so grateful to receive such a lovely review of our home and our amazing team, this really has made our day. Please don't be a stranger; you and your family are always welcome to visit...
Regulatory Rating
Care Quality Commission (CQC) Rating
Date: 18 July 2019Good
- CaringGood
- EffectiveGood
- ResponsiveOutstanding
- SafeGood
- Well-ledGood
Inspection ratings
We rate most services according to how safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led they are, using four levels:
- Outstanding - The service is performing exceptionally well.
- Good - The service is performing well and meeting our expectations.
- Requires Improvement - The service isn't performing as well as it should and we have told the service how it must improve.
- Inadequate - The service is performing badly and we've taken action against the person or organisation that runs it.
- Not rated - we have not yet rated this area of the service, this is normally because the assessments we have carried out have been focused on other key questions.
Bed Vacancies
Please contact us for latest vacancies.
News (0) & Events (0)
There are no news items for Stirlings.
There are no upcoming events for Stirlings.
Awards / Recognitions (9)
- 30 Jan 2026Recipient: The Orders of St John Care Trust
- 31 Jan 2024Recipient: The Orders of St John Care Trust
- 28 Feb 2023Recipient: The Orders of St John Care Trust
Accreditations
There are no accreditations posted yet for Stirlings.
Meet the Team (3)

Catherine rejoined the Trust in 2024 as Home Manager at Stirlings.

As Activities Coordinator, Angela is passionate about providing residents at Stirlings with the best possible experiences to enhance their wellbeing. She sees working in care as her calling in life and approaches each day as a new chance to help people.
Angela has almost a decade of experience in coordinating activities in a care environment and has many qualifications supporting her deep knowledge of caring for those with dementia. She takes great satisfaction from helping people to continue with the hobbies and interests they have had their whole lives but equally loves being able to provide them with brand new experiences too.
Whether jumping out of a plane to raise money, completing the Tough Mudder for charity, taking a former ice skater back onto the ice after 50 years, writing poetry with residents or working with Oxford University on a study into therapeutic robots, there is rarely a dull moment in Angela’s line of work. Her great work for the Trust was recognised when Angela was named OSJCT’s Oxfordshire Activity Coordinator of the year in 2016.
Angela finds time to meditate every day and enjoys attending boxing exercise classes and expanding her spiritual interests.

Starting a career in care back in 2016, Odeth embarked on a journey that led her through various roles within different care centres. Initially serving as a caring leader at Avonbourne Care Centre upon joining the trust in 2019, she transitioned to the role of Head of Care (HoC) at Bemerton Lodge in 2021 and later moved to Longlands in 2022 and is now based at Stirlings. Before venturing into the care sector, her professional experience included working as a logistician for the British Army.
Odeth's current role in care is a source of satisfaction, finding it robust and engaging, offering ample opportunities to interact with a diverse multidisciplinary team. Engaging with residents and their families brings them joy, fostering strong connections within their team.
Beyond the professional sphere, Odeth's personal life is centred around family; married with two children, they cherish moments spent together. While she used to play netball, her current passion involves avidly following the sport on television.
Frequently Asked Questions about Stirlings
What types of Care is Stirlings registered for?
Older Person Care, Dementia, Physical Disability, Visual / Hearing Impairment are the registered (by the Care Quality Commission) categories of Care.
How many Rooms does Stirlings have?
There are 40 Single Rooms.
What are the Facilities & Services at Stirlings?
Own Furniture if required, Pet Friendly (or by arrangement), Close to Local shops, Near Public Transport, Lift, Wheelchair Access, Gardens, Bar/Café, Residents Kitchenette, Television point in own room, Residents Internet Access are some of the Facilities & Services.
How far is Stirlings to the centre of Wantage?
0.2 mile(s) as the crow flies, distance by road may be significantly further.
Information on this page is displayed without responsibility for its accuracy on the part of carehome.co.uk. Please contact Stirlings to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Stirlings has an Enhanced Service -more info.