Hill Brow is a purpose-designed family run care home and offers flexible elderly care packages. Friendly carers contribute towards a homely atmosphere in which residents are supported in pursuit of an active lifestyle.
The residents' care is at the centre of everything they do, they have equipped the home with all the latest facilities, including a care bathroom and wet room, with a skilled team available 24/7 for any queries or emergencies.
Hill Brow has secluded gardens with a fishpond, while a thorough programme of outings and activities assures that occupants have a great deal to interest and entertain them.
Group: Woodlands & Hillbrow Ltd
Person in charge: Deborah Choularton (Manager)
Local Authority / Social Services: Hampshire County Council (click for contact details)
Type of Service: Care Home only (Residential Care) – Privately Owned , Registered for a maximum of 32 Service Users
Registered Care Categories*: Dementia • Old Age
Specialist Care Categories: Alzheimer's
Admission Information: Residents must not wander or show anti-social behaviour.
Single Rooms: 32
Rooms with ensuite WC: 29
Facilities & Services: Day Care • Respite Care • Convalescent Care • Physiotherapy • Independent Living Training • Own GP if required • Own Furniture if required • Pets by arrangement • Close to Local shops • Near Public Transport • Minibus or other transport • Lift • Wheelchair access • Gardens for residents • Phone Point in own room/Mobile • Television point in own room • Residents Internet Access
Latest Care Quality Commission* Report on Hill Brow: click here
* Care Quality Commission is responsible for the registration and inspection of social care services in England.
The Review Score of 9.9 (maximum of 10) for Hill Brow is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.
a) The Average Rating is 4.9 out of 5 from 22 Reviews over all time. This Average Rating is also the rating value for Hill Brow in Google's Search Results - more info
b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5 out of 5 from 9 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 4.875 for Hill Brow is calculated as follows: ( (235 Excellents x 5) + (23 Goods x 4) + (5 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 263 Ratings = 4.875
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 Hill Brow is based on 9 positive Reviews in the last 12 months and is calculated as follows:
3 + 0.25 + 0.25 + 0.25 + 0.25 = 4
Target of 6.4 positive Reviews (32 registered maximum number of service users ÷ 5). 9 Reviews ÷ 6.4 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.
Hill Brow has a Review Score of 9.9 (9.875) from 22 Reviews
Review submitted from a Postal Card by Lesley C (Granddaughter of Resident) on Monday 23 April 2018. Relates to December 2017.
My grandmother has dementia. She is very happy living at Hillbrow and is always smiling. The activities also are very good and she joins in when she wants to.
How likely would you be to recommend Hill Brow? Extremely Likely
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Review submitted from a Postal Card by Gina C (Great-granddaughter of Resident) on Monday 23 April 2018. Relates to January 2018.
My great grandmother has been in Hillbrow for 3 years. She is well looked after being in here. The activities provided stimulate her and she really enjoys them Kowing she is in Hillbrow puts my mind at ease as I know she is in safe hands and all her needs are being met.
How likely would you be to recommend Hill Brow? Extremely Likely
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Review submitted from a Postal Card by Jessica V (Resident) on Wednesday 4 April 2018. Relates to March 2018.
Very happy with the care received. Support has been fantastic. Activities are very stimulating and fun. Very clean and inviting home. Staff are lovely and helpful with all aspects.
How likely would you be to recommend Hill Brow? Extremely Likely
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Review submitted from a Postal Card by Penelope C (Daughter of Resident) on Friday 2 March 2018. Relates to January 2018.
Hillbrow staff have been so helpful, kind, compassionate and accommodating to our mother. Nothing is too much trouble and they make time to speak to us. She is clean comfortable and the food is great. She loves the staff. The staff are consistent, friendly and professional at all times. We would recommend them. When our Dad was dying they made every attempt to accommodate him too.
How likely would you be to recommend Hill Brow? Extremely Likely
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Review submitted from a Postal Card by John B (Nephew of Resident) on Tuesday 27 February 2018. Relates to January 2018.
My aunt lives at Hill Brow and I am extremely pleased with the care and support she gets in the home. My aunt only has to ask for help and someone is there to help her, she also loves joining in with the home's activities.
How likely would you be to recommend Hill Brow? Extremely Likely
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Review submitted from a Postal Card by David G (Son of Resident) on Tuesday 3 October 2017. Relates to September 2017.
Hill Brow has been looking after my mother for over a year and I have found the whole experience very satisfactory. Hill Brow staff are always friendly and ready to help and have helped my mother through her age issues. Caring few people in a care home is a very responsible and demanding job and I have found the staff to be always helpful with my mother and other residents care in the most difficult situations - well done.
How likely would you be to recommend Hill Brow? Extremely Likely
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Review submitted from a Postal Card by Anne J (Daughter of Resident) on Tuesday 15 August 2017. Relates to July 2017.
My mother has been a resident at Hill Brow for the last 13 and a half years, at first leading a relatively independent life, but now on a full nursing basis (which is why I am completing this form). Throughout her time at Hill Brow, she has been well looked after, especially now when she is very dependent. The staff are caring and efficient and the home is clean and well maintained. Visitors are welcomed and there is a nice atmosphere. There seem to be efficient links with the local medical and nursing services which my mother needs increasingly. Overall, I am very satisfied. I go into a lot of similar homes to entertain residents and Hill Brow compares very well.
How likely would you be to recommend Hill Brow? Extremely Likely
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Review submitted from a Website Submission by Susan D (Daughter of Resident) on Tuesday 1 August 2017. Relates to August 2017.
My mother is cared for by staff who are friendly, competent and dedicated. They know her very well, understand her needs and treat her with great respect and kindness. The manager has an open door policy and I feel able to raise any concerns immediately.
How likely would you be to recommend Hill Brow? Extremely Likely
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Review submitted from a Postal Card by Anne R (Daughter of Resident) on Tuesday 25 July 2017. Relates to July 2017.
All staff, management, care, and cleaners are always cheerful, attentive and caring, not only with the service users but their families and friends too. My mother has been attending the day centre for almost 4 years and I am not aware of much change in the staff so they must be happy with their work conditions, otherwise there would be a continuing turnover.
My mother loves it there and is happy to go there to live when the time comes.
How likely would you be to recommend Hill Brow? Extremely Likely
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Review submitted from a Postal Card by Kayleigh N (Granddaughter of Resident) on Tuesday 7 March 2017. Relates to January 2017.
My nan is happy and healthy in her home. She has dementia but is very well looked after.
How likely would you be to recommend Hill Brow? Extremely Likely
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Review submitted from a Postal Card by C W (Granddaughter of Resident) on Monday 6 March 2017. Relates to December 2016.
Whenever I visit my grandmother I find the staff are always very friendly and helpful. The home is always clean and tidy and smells very nice. My grandmother is very happy there and I would definitely recommend this care home to anyone who is looking for a place for their relative. There is always activities to keep them entertained and a resident cat that they all love.
How likely would you be to recommend Hill Brow? Extremely Likely
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Review submitted from a Postal Card by Dennis N (Son-in-law of Resident) on Friday 3 March 2017. Relates to January 2017.
My mother in law seems very happy. She likes lots of company. The staff are all helpful and friendly.
How likely would you be to recommend Hill Brow? Extremely Likely
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Review submitted from a Postal Card by Pauline N (Daughter of Resident) on Thursday 2 March 2017. Relates to January 2017.
My mother is looked after very well in the home. We are always made welcome to visit her any time we want to and if I need to talk to anyone or ask any questions, I can always get to talk to staff or management. She is very happy there and likes the staff and residents.
How likely would you be to recommend Hill Brow? Extremely Likely
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Review submitted from a Postal Card by Clare T (Daughter of Resident) on Tuesday 14 February 2017. Relates to January 2017.
A warm welcome on arrival and always a nice atmosphere amongst the residents and staff. The space looks and smells clean. In fact, it does feel like 'home' as there are so many bits of normal household furniture and pictures around - it really doesn't feel like an institution.
I feel that mum is safe and well-cared for.
I know that if I have any concerns they will be dealt with promptly by whoever is on duty. Equally, if the staff have concerns I know they will contact me or my brother straight away. Very happy indeed with everything and I'm so glad I found it for mum.
How likely would you be to recommend Hill Brow? Extremely Likely
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Review submitted from a Website Submission by Alison P (Daughter of Resident) on Saturday 28 January 2017. Relates to January 2017.
The members of staff are caring and very patient. It is comforting that there is someone to talk to about how my mother is getting on as it's a hard change from being in your own home to then be cared for by others.
Her room is bright and cosy and as she was able to have her own furniture made it so much nicer.
How likely would you be to recommend Hill Brow? Extremely Likely
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Review submitted from a Postal Card by Ernest C (Son of Resident) on Friday 27 January 2017. Relates to December 2016.
My mother has been in the home for some time and the care she gets is excellent even though the relatives are also treated with care.
Anything happens regarding my mother we are informed and updated on her progress or any change in her behaviour, nothing is too much trouble for the staff I know I don't have to worry about anything in the care of my mum she is well looked after by the manager and her staff at all times. I can't speak highly enough about the home.
How likely would you be to recommend Hill Brow? Extremely Likely
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Review submitted from a Postal Card by J C (Niece of Resident) on Wednesday 4 January 2017. Relates to November 2016.
How warm and friendly the home is. All staff very nice and polite. They make my Aunt feel like she is one of their family. The activities are varied for all residents. Fees for food and care very good. It always looks and smells nice and clean. Well done to all the staff at Hill Brow.
How likely would you be to recommend Hill Brow? Extremely Likely
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Review submitted from a Postal Card by Raymond T (Husband of Resident) on Monday 12 December 2016. Relates to October 2016.
My wife and I spent 4 weeks at Hill Brow as respite care and to experience living in a care home.
In Hill Brow, we were very comfortable, relaxed and content. My wife, who has dementia, has made it clear she would be happy to return. Most people were in a far worse state of health than me but my time there was happy and relaxed.
The home was well run and well organised with staff who were obviously happy, extremely helpful and competent and keen to make sure all residents were safe and well cared for.
The food was good, wholesome, cooked entirely on the premises and served directly from kitchen to table. It was well varied day to day and to week.
How likely would you be to recommend Hill Brow? Extremely Likely
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Review submitted from a Postal Card by Linda (Daughter of Resident) on Thursday 28 April 2016. Relates to February 2016.
Mum went into Hill Brow for respite care in September 2012 after being discharged from hospital following a fall at home. She then decided to stay permanently and soon settled in. Overall the home is well run with a dedicated team of staff. One positive is the policy of not engaging agency staff ensuring all residents have continuity of care and familiar faces every day. Initially mum participated in several of the activities and especially enjoyed the events put on at Christmas. As her health and hearing deteriorated she was content to stay in her room doing crosswords and suduko puzzles. In her final days nothing was too much trouble. She was treated with dignity and first class care. I was so pleased mum could stay in familiar surroundings with friendly faces.
How likely would you be to recommend Hill Brow? Likely
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Review submitted from a Website Submission by Christine G (Daughter of Resident) on Saturday 23 April 2016. Relates to April 2016.
The staff at Hillbrow knew Dad so well. They supported him through the physical frustrations and mental anguish of growing old. They also supported us to help him attain the best possible quality of life. I would like to express my sincere gratitude for their kindness, patience and cheerfulness.
How likely would you be to recommend Hill Brow? Extremely Likely
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Review submitted from a Website Submission by Sylvia E (Daughter of Resident) on Tuesday 5 April 2016. Relates to April 2016.
My Dad lived at Hill Brow for about two and a half years from the age of 88. Moving in was a big adjustment for him, but all the staff gave him so much support, care and love that he settled in well and really felt at home. He was always treated with respect and humanity, through all the mental and physical ups and downs he experienced towards the end of his life. I would not hesitate to recommend Hill Brow as a really caring environment where attention is given to making every aspect of the residents' lives as pleasant and comfortable as possible. The home is very well run; the buildings and gardens are cared for, good food and entertainment are provided, and there are opportunities for social interaction as well as private space. Most importantly, the staff really know the individual residents. They take time to talk to them, listen to any concerns and understand their state of mind. We could not have found a nicer place for our Dad to spend the final phase of his life.
How likely would you be to recommend Hill Brow? Extremely Likely
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Review submitted from a Postal Card by Margaret S (Daughter of Resident) on Friday 4 March 2016. Relates to February 2016.
Hill Brow is an excellent care home. All the staff are very caring and helpful. There are lots of activities to meet the physical and mental capabilities of the residents. The rooms are spacious, nicely decorated, kept clean and tidy.
How likely would you be to recommend Hill Brow? Extremely Likely
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February 2018
April 2017
February 2016
July 2013
November 2011
Recipient: Woodlands & Hillbrow Ltd
Date: Sunday 06 Nov 2011
Job Title: Proprietor
Joined: 1998
Description:
I am Alison and the proud Proprietor of Woodlands & Hill Brow Ltd. I am a nurse holding a Degree in Nursing with a Diploma in Elderly Care. I left the NHS were I was Ward Manager of an elderly care unit at The Royal Free Hospital, to assumed control of Woodlands & Hill Brow following my mother's retirement in 1998. I am immensely proud of what we have achieved in our homes, providing the highest standards of care which are built on an ethos of family centered care. I am also a teacher and assessor ensuring I can support our staff through their development and training.
Job Title: General Manager
Joined: 2012
Description:
My name is Jo Grinyer and I am the General Manager for Woodlands & Hill Brow Ltd. I am a nurse with a degree in nursing and a background in acute and specialist long-term conditions nursing, together with a wealth of experience in care home management. My main area of responsibility is to support and guide the Home Managers.
I am proud to work with managers and staff who demonstrate such a high level of commitment and care, with shared core values.
Job Title: Home Manager
Joined: 2000
Description:
My name is Debbie Choularton and I am the Home Manager for Hill Brow. I joined the company in 2000 and am very glad to work in such a wonderfully caring environment. Our residents are so lovely and I and the rest of the staff have become so attached to them that we think of them as our friends. I am lucky to have a fantastic team under me who help make the home such a warm and friendly place that it is a home from home for us too.
Job Title: Deputy Manager
Joined: 2014
Description:
I joined the company in 2014 and am proud to work in a really special place with such lovely people - residents and staff.
Job Title: Activities Coordinator
Joined: 2012
Description:
I love my job as activities coordinator. The most important part of my day to me is spending quality time with the residents whether in a group activity or chatting on a one to one basis. I particularly enjoy the art and craft activities. When I first started the Wednesday afternoon Art Club I could only persuade a few of the residents to join in, now I have residents and their family join in!
A regular Friday afternoon activity which I introduced soon after I started in this role is Word Association. I always get full attendance for this as the associations can be very unpredictable and humorous.
Story writing is another popular activity. I usually try to tie the theme into a current event or choose a popular childhood memory to develop into a story, however by far the most popular theme is a murder mystery. All of the residents have an opportunity to add a suggestion which is included in the story. The stories are a great way to bring out their sense of humour and it never fails to surprise me how inventive they can be.
I have also introduced food and cooking activities where I have helped the resident’s pipe onto cakes and biscuits with chocolate or icing and they get to eat their own creations! I use my love of art, cake decorating and watercolour painting to develop new projects and my latest creation is a giant bingo game which can also be used for quiz questions.
It’s a real privilege to be able to spend so much time with our residents. I feel very much appreciated by our residents and enjoy being part of the team at Hill Brow.
Job Title: Residents Liaison Manager
Joined: 2000
Description:
My name is Elizabeth and I am the Residents Liaison Manager for Woodlands & Hill Brow Ltd. My main role is to ensure a smooth and timely moving in process is achieved for our residents and their families, providing information and support at every stage of the inquiry and moving in process. I understand that this is a stressful time for all concerned and ensure that I am a point of contact for families and am always available with a friendly smile and the answers to their questions.
I have been with Woodlands & Hill Brow Ltd for over 13 years, initially as a care assistant and later Manager of one of our Homes before moving on to my current role. During this time I achieved qualifications in NVQ 2,3,4 and RMA. Currently I am also an assessor in Diploma level 2 and 3 and hold a training qualification, training staff in areas such as First Aid, Food Hygiene and Palliative care.
I absolutely love my position which allows me to meet many new people, prospective residents and their families. My role also involves spending time on a one to one basis with our residents ensuring they are happy, have everything they require and being involved in activities and outings. I also attend the Residents Committee Meeting at all of our Homes.