Dorrington House (Watton)

73 Norwich Road, Watton, Thetford IP25 6DH
Review Us
9.7 86 Reviews
  • Dorrington House (Watton), Thetford
Dorrington House at Watton is a purpose-built home for older people, established in July 1999.

Accommodation is provided in single rooms with en-suite facilities and communal areas include a bright and airy lounge with large windows. There is a large flat screen television in this all the lounges for residents to enjoy and all entertainment takes place in this room, including the use of smart TV facilities. There are also two smaller quieter lounges for residents to use if they prefer. A bar area for residents to use is run by 'Friends of the Home'.

There is good Wi-Fi coverage at the home with video visiting and online care plans available. All areas of the home are accessible, including a large 21 person lift.

Communal areas far exceed the Government's new standards, meeting the physical and emotional needs of residents with privacy, dignity, choice and independence. A large lift provides access to the first floor and a varied menu is offered with special diets catered for, including diabetic, vegetarian and religious requirements and more.

Families are encouraged to take part in the care and spend quality time with their loved ones. Please contact the team for username and password details to view the care plan from home.
Show Dorrington House (Watton) on the Map

Care Provided

Primary Care Categories

  • Older Person Care
  • Dementia
  • Mental Health Condition
  • Physical Disability
  • Eating Disorders

Length of Stay

  • Permanent Care
  • Respite Care

Care Types Provided

  • Residential Care
  • Dementia Residential Care
  • For a maximum of 52 Service Users

Dementia Care Types

  • Mild Dementia
  • Moderate Dementia
  • Advanced/Complex Dementia

Other Care Provided

  • Parkinson's Disease
  • Stroke
  • Palliative / End of Life Care
  • Bariatric Care/Obesity
  • Convalescent Care
  • Day Care

Facilities

  • Own Furniture if required
  • Pet Friendly (or by arrangement)
  • Smoking not permitted
  • Close to Local shops
  • Near Public Transport
  • Minibus or other transport
  • Lift
  • Stairlift
  • Wheelchair Access
  • Ground Floor Accommodation only
  • Gardens
  • Bar/Café
  • Residents Kitchenette
  • Phone Point in own room
  • Television point in own room
  • Residents Internet Access

Funding & Fees

Weekly Charges per Person

  • Self-Funded Residential Care: £926 – £968
  • Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care: £926 – £968
  • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Care: £926 – £968
  • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care: £926 – £968

Threshold for Social Services support is £23,250.00 please e-mail for help and advice to secure support Our fee policy insures fairness and continuity when self funders go below the threshold and apply to NCC avoiding being moved.

These prices are only a guideline, please contact Dorrington House (Watton) 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

Group/Owner

Person in charge

  • Geri Ashforth (Manager)

Local Authority / Social Services

Admission Criteria

  • Care for Older People, and those suffering with Dementia, Social Services rates, including self funders
  • Ages 65+

Care Home Design/Build

  • Purpose Built: Yes
  • Year Purpose Built: 1999
  • Last Refurbishment: 2025
  • Number of floors: 2

Room Information

  • Single Rooms (52)
  • Couples/Companion Rooms (0)
  • Single Rooms with Ensuite Wet Room (52)

Visiting

  • No set visiting hours. Please be mindful during mealtimes, Gp & nurse visits, or when staff are dispensing medication they may be busy. Visitors welcome to spend time with their loved ones, helping, simply ask the staff for advice. You can always e-mail Steve or Lorraine Dorrington, the owners anytime to answer your questions or concerns.

Parking

  • Ample Car Parking, close to the town centre, no steps footpaths to the shops for summer walks, weather permitting.

Dorrington House (Watton) Reviews (86)

9.7

Dorrington House (Watton) has a Review Score of 9.7 (9.728) out of 10, based on 34 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Dorrington House (Watton) has 86 reviews.

Overall Experience
  • 54
  • 26
  • 5
  • 0
  • 1
Date Published
  • 86
  • 16
  • 19
  • 34
  • 52
Reviewer Connection to Dorrington House (Watton)
  • 32
  • 22
  • 4
  • 4
  • 3
  • 3
  • 3
  • 3
  • 2
  • 2
  • 2
  • 1
  • 1
  • 1
  • 1
  • 1
  • 1
Total of 86, showing 61-80
Review from Stuart G (Son of Resident) published on 27 February 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Mum seems very happy being in the home and is kept busy with activities.
Reply from Steven Dorrington, Service Provider at Dorrington House (Watton)

Many thanks for your review. Lorraine and myself welcome feedback and take your comments very seriously. Its good for staff morale too. You can e-mail us anytime 24/7 steve@dorringtonhouse.com and lorraine@dorringtonhouse.com Once again thank you.

  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Review from Julie B (Daughter of Resident) published on 30 January 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our mum was cared for at Dorrington Watton for two and a half years before she sadly died on New Year's Eve. From the word go the carers took great care and consideration to ensure that mum felt at home and we felt reassured. It was clear that mum felt safe, comfortable, happy and content. Mum's dementia
meant that she could not communicate that well but the carers always did their utmost to get to know mum's needs, likes and dislikes. Mum was very much part of the Dorrington family as well as ours and one of our last and happiest memories was of when we all visited her on her birthday. The carers sang happy birthday and arranged a lovely cake which mum enjoyed with a cup of tea. The care given to mum at the end of her life was excellent - compassionate, kind, and individualised and mum died comfortably, very peacefully and with as much dignity as dementia will allow. We as a family were kept informed with excellent communication given with kindness. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this home.
Reply from Steven Dorrington, Service Provider at Dorrington House (Watton)

Many thanks for your review. Lorraine and myself welcome feedback and take your comments very seriously. Its good for staff morale too. You can e-mail us anytime 24/7 steve@dorringtonhouse.com and lorraine@dorringtonhouse.com Once again thank you.

  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Review from Louise W (Granddaughter of Resident) published on 11 May 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 1.0 out of 5
Unfortunately, this home has been dreadful at supporting my grandad and my mum is distraught at his care and the lack of communication. If it wasn't for the fact we have been in lockdown my grandad would have been moved from here straight away. As it is, he's still stuck there until we can move him.
Reply from Steven Dorrington, Service Provider at Dorrington House (Watton)

It is very upsetting to see families anxious in what has been a terrible year for Care Homes. Watton has been Covid free all residents and staff during the whole pandemic. We have spoken to the Office and will be contacting the families to see what we can do to help. Any complaint we take very seriously and will co-ordinate support with the family, Norfolk County Council and request a review asap. We do have a complaints procedure and in the meantime will ensure it is followed. We can be e-mailed anytime 24/7 steve@dorringtonhouse.com and lorraine@dorringtonhouse.com.

  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Review from Sue D (Daughter-in-law of Resident) published on 23 April 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Poor mum arrived at Dorrington House just before the lockdown so it’s all very new to her and us, unfortunately, we are still unable to visit but it’s in everyone’s best interest. I keep in touch via email and phone but I don’t like to keep disturbing all the girls as they must be rushed off their
feet. They have told me mum ( who can be awkward at times ) has started to settle in and join in which we are pleased about and feel settled in our minds that she is safe now. I would just like to thank everyone who works at Dorrington House and well done in this extremely hard time.
  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Review from Beverly P (Daughter of Resident) published on 7 March 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Dorrington House has continued to provide excellent caring and facilities for my mother who has been resident there since July 2012. The staff are very friendly and helpful and mum is very settled there. Her basic needs are well catered for and I always recommend the place to anyone who needs a place
for a relative.
Reply from Steve Dorrington, Service Provider at Dorrington House (Watton)

Steven & Lorraine at Dorrington, thank you for your support and please e-mail us anytime steve@dorringtonhouse.com.

  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Review from P S (Husband of Resident) published on 20 November 2017 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
During this month my wife's attitude has changed from aggressive to a much more normal behaviour, she gets on much better with the staff and is much more calmer.
Reply from Steve Dorrington, Service Provider at Dorrington House (Watton)

Steven & Lorraine Dorrington thank you for your support. Please feel free to e-mail us anytime steve@dorringtonhouse.com or Lorraine@dorringtonhouse.com

  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Review from C A (Daughter of Resident) published on 21 September 2017 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Staff are excellent, more staff are needed because sometimes residents are alone in the lounge.
  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Review from R O (Brother-in-law of Resident) published on 1 September 2017 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Very good in all departments of the home.
Reply from Steve Dorrington, Service Provider at Dorrington House (Watton)

Steve and Lorraine Dorrington would like to thank you for your support and please feel free to contact us any time steve@dorringtonhouse.com

  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Review from P K (Daughter of Resident) published on 23 August 2017 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Dorrington House is very homely and staff always make me feel welcome when visiting Dad. They have been very understanding and supportive helping us understand Dad's condition now. I would like to see some of the staff engage more with residents, but this is only a few as most of them do chat when
they have time.


It is hard to get activities organised, but it would be nice to see things in the Bluebell Lounge where Dad is. Also, I would like spiritual support for the residents that want it. Again, Bluebell misses out on this. On the whole, I just want to say thank you.

Reply from Steve Dorrington, Service Provider at Dorrington House (Watton)

Steven & Lorraine Dorrington thank you for your support, please feel free to e-mail us steve@dorringtonhouse.com anytime

  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Review from Andrew B (Son of Resident) published on 23 August 2017 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
The home is very good.
Reply from Steve Dorrington, Service Provider at Dorrington House (Watton)

Steven & Lorraine Dorrington thank you for your support, please feel free to e-mail us steve@dorringtonhouse.com anytime

  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Review from Doreen J (Daughter of Resident) published on 23 August 2017 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I've found all the carers I've met to be very, very helpful and kind and also the management is on hand to answer any questions I have.


I find my mum to be treated with a lot of dignity and respect. Excellent.

Reply from Steve Dorrington, Service Provider at Dorrington House (Watton)

Steven & Lorraine Dorrington thank you for your support, please feel free to e-mail us steve@dorringtonhouse.com anytime

  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Review from Maureen W (Wife of Resident) published on 23 August 2017 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My family and I have found Dorrington House to be a very friendly place to come and visit and know that my husband is safe and cared for. I have no problem in recommending this care home.
Reply from Steve Dorrington, Service Provider at Dorrington House (Watton)

Steven & Lorraine Dorrington thank you for your support, please feel free to e-mail us steve@dorringtonhouse.com anytime

  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Review from Marina M (Daughter of Resident) published on 12 December 2016 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mum went to Dorrington House for respite care, which became longer term. The home is always clean, the staff are always visible / easy to find and available to talk to. They treated my mum with care, understanding and respect.
I would happily stay there when I need care and am unable to remain in
my own home.
Reply from Steve Dorrington, Service provider at Dorrington House (Watton)

Steven and Lorraine Dorrington, the manager and all the staff at Dorrington House Watton, would like to thank you for your support.

  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Review from Susan T (Daughter of Resident) published on 22 July 2016 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mother has been extremely reluctant to accept that she is unable to live independently at home. The care and attention she has received since being admitted to Dorrington House has been appropriate and every attempt made to put her at ease and every attempt made to put her at ease and cared for in
the home.
  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Review from George (Brother-in-law of Resident) published on 13 June 2016 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My late wife's sister was placed in Dorrington House together with her husband at their request (her husband has since died). Her condition has since deteriorated and she is dependant upon the staff at the home for everything. The staff at the home are professional, caring and I have complete faith
in their care of my sister in law. She always seems in good spirits and happy. She is also monitored as regards her health and sees the doctor if necessary. I have great comfort in knowing she is in good hands.
Reply from steve dorrington, Service Provider at Dorrington House (Watton)

Steve & Lorraine thank you for your support, please e-mail us at steve@dorringtonhouse.com anytime

  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Review from Michael (Husband of Resident) published on 12 April 2016 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Overall was pleased with all elements.
Reply from Steve Dorrington, Service Provider at Dorrington House (Watton)

Thank you for your support, please feel free to e-mail us anytime Steve & Lorraine Dorrington steve@dorringtonhouse.com

  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Review from Barbara R (Wife of Resident) published on 12 April 2016 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
My husband has been in Dorrington House (watton) for over two years now and has been very well looked after and until fairly recently the staff have managed to keep him very involved with life and actually joining in sometimes. Sadly now due to his illness and age, he is less able to participate however
when visited he always seems content and happy in his own world and obviously feels 'safe'! The staff are always friendly and helpful. I should perhaps mention that my husband can be very aggressive and violent at times.
Reply from steve dorrington, Service Provider at Dorrington House (Watton)

Thank you for your support, please feel free to e-mail us anytime, Steve & Lorraine Dorrington steve@dorringtonhouse.com

  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Review from Malcolm M (Son of Resident) published on 12 April 2016 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Mother has dementia and is not very responsive but she seems to be happy and is quite content with her dolls.
Reply from Steve Dorrington, Service Provider at Dorrington House (Watton)

Thank you for your support, please e-mail Steve & Lorraine Dorrington anytime.

  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Review from D A (Sister of Resident) published on 12 April 2016 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My brother, who is 83, suffers from dementia but when myself and my family visit him we have always found that he is being treated well by staff. He can be difficult at times if he does not wish to wash or dress, but the staff seem to find ways of persuading him with chocolate treats, which he loves.
Reply from Steve Dorrington, Service Provider at Dorrington House (Watton)

Many thanks for your support, e-mail us anytime Steve & Lorraine Dorrington

  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Review from Jane C (Daughter of Resident) published on 12 April 2016 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Staff are very friendly and professional. The residents are extremely hard work and the staff are superb at putting them at ease and safe.
Reply from Steve Dorrington, Service Provider at Dorrington House (Watton)

Many thanks for your support, please fell free to e-mail us anytime, Steve & Lorraine Dorrington.

  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Current Review Score: 9.7 (9.728)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.7 (9.728) out of 10 for Dorrington House (Watton) is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  1. The Average Rating is 4.7 out of 5 from 34 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 33 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 4.728 for Dorrington House (Watton) is calculated as follows: ( (319 Excellents x 5) + (56 Goods x 4) + (16 Satisfactorys x 3) + (4 Poors x 2) + (2 Very Poors x 1) ) ÷ 397 Ratings = 4.728
  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 Dorrington House (Watton) is based on 33 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 52 registered maximum number of service users is 10.4, which has been reached with 33 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: 20 Oct 2022

Overall Requires improvement

  • Caring Good
  • Effective Requires improvement
  • Responsive Good
  • Safe Requires improvement
  • Well-led Requires improvement
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.

Loading

Loading Loading

Loading

Loading

Awards / Recognitions (0)

Meet the Team (0)

There are no team members posted.

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