The Old Vicarage

Ivy Bank Road, Bolton BL1 7EQ
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9.8 44 Reviews
  • The Old Vicarage, Bolton
The Old Vicarage is a family run care home which offers many aspects of individual care to support the independence of its residents in later life.

The atmosphere and décor within the home is reflective of a boutique hotel environment.

In addition, a small number of beautiful bungalows within the grounds are available for rent. These allow elderly residents to experience a more independent lifestyle, whilst being able to take advantage of the support and services provided from within the care home.
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Care Provided

Primary Care Categories

  • Older Person Care
  • Dementia
  • Physical Disability
  • Visual / Hearing Impairment
  • Eating Disorders

Length of Stay

  • Permanent Care
  • Respite Care

Care Types Provided

  • Residential Care
  • Dementia Residential Care
  • For a maximum of 37 Service Users

Dementia Care Types

  • Mild Dementia
  • Moderate Dementia

Other Care Provided

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

Facilities

  • Own Furniture if required
  • Smoking not permitted
  • Close to Local shops
  • Near Public Transport
  • Lift
  • Stairlift
  • Wheelchair Access
  • Gardens
  • Phone Point in own room
  • Television point in own room
  • Residents Internet Access

Funding & Fees

Weekly Charges per Person

  • Self-Funded Residential Care: £995 – £1245
  • Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care: £1235 – £1245
  • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Care: £995 – £1245
  • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care: £1235 – £1245

These prices are only a guideline, please contact The Old Vicarage 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

  • Gabrielle Macdonald (Manager)

Local Authority / Social Services

Admission Criteria

  • Ages 65+

Care Home Design/Build

  • Purpose Built: No
  • Last Refurbishment: 2025
  • Number of floors: 2

Room Information

  • Single Rooms (35)
  • Couples/Companion Rooms (1)
  • Single Rooms with Ensuite Wet Room (3)

Visiting

  • Visitors are welcome any time of the day, however they are asked to avoid meal times if possible as this tends to be a busy period whilst assisting residents.

Parking

  • Ample onsite parking is available.

The Old Vicarage Reviews (44)

9.8

The Old Vicarage has a Review Score of 9.8 (9.750) out of 10, based on 9 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time The Old Vicarage has 44 reviews.

Overall Experience
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Date Published
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Reviewer Connection to The Old Vicarage
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Total of 44, showing 1-20
Review from Justine B (Daughter of Resident) published on 31 January 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My dad has lived at The Old Vicarage since October following Alzheimer's and a stroke. All staff helped him to settle immediately. This was the hardest decision I have ever had to make yet remains one of the best I have made. From the preparations to move dad in, to now, the communication and support
provided by the staff at The Old Vicarage has been second to none.
Dad is cared for, respected, and supported daily. His needs are met and I am informed of everything. There are regular activities that Dad is able to engage in, he thoroughly enjoyed his trip to the chip shop! He loves to look his best and there is a hairdresser who makes sure he has a regular trim. This is very important and is just one part of the ongoing care and commitment provided to him to ensure his well-being. I see that residents at The Old Vicarage are seen as valued members of the community, not just old people who need looking after. I highly recommend this setting. Thank you to all the staff.
Reply from Dayna Crabtree, Administration at The Old Vicarage

Thank you for taking the time to leave such a glowing review! It is great to hear your feedback! I will pass on your kind words to all staff.

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Review from Mike H (Son of Resident) published on 31 January 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Mum was at the Old Vicarage for circa 3 years and during that time the love and care provided by the staff was first rate.
Unfortunately Mum passed away this month and the love and care shown by the staff to both Mum and to us as a family could not be faulted.
Thank you to a particular member of staff
and her team for everything they did for Mum.
Reply from Dayna Crabtree, Administration at The Old Vicarage

Thank you for taking the time to leave a lovely review. It was a pleasure to have your mum with us at The Old Vicarage.

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Review from M J (Son of Resident) published on 21 August 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Up to now our experience with The Old Vicarage has been faultless and we don't have any complaints or concerns up to now. All the staff seem very friendly and caring and attentive towards all residents in their care.
Reply from Mark Macdonald, Owner at The Old Vicarage

Thank you for taking the time to submit a review. I am pleased to hear that your experience to date has been faultless and that you have found the staff to be very friendly, caring and attentive.

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Review from J N (Daughter of Resident) published on 15 March 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Mum has been well cared for over a number of years and the care staff are excellent and always contact us if they have any concerns. The rooms are very clean and well-appointed. Mum is always well-dressed and colour-coordinated. Could not find any faults at all.
Reply from Mark Macdonald, Owner at The Old Vicarage

Thank you for submitting a review, which is appreciated by all our staff. Your mother was with us for a long time and will be missed by all.

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Review from J H (Daughter of Resident) published on 15 March 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Professional yet friendly, extremely caring, and have looked after Dad with dignity and respect. Nothing is too much trouble and always at hand to answer any inquiries we have had. The room was lovely if a little small however as Dad was in for respite it was fine, with lovely décor and great food for
Dad.
Reply from Mark Macdonald, Owner at The Old Vicarage

Thank you for recognizing that we endeavor to be as professional, and caring as we can and to treat our residents with the greatest of respect. It's much appreciated, thank you.

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Review from J B (Daughter of Resident) published on 6 March 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
As a family we couldn't ask for anything better than the care our mum is being given in every way possible.
Reply from Mark Macdonald, Owner at The Old Vicarage

It is greatly appreciated when family members leave such a glowing review. I'd like to say a big "Thank You" on behalf of our team.

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Review from Gareth P (Nephew of Resident) published on 6 March 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The Old Vic, all the staff were a lifeline after my aunty had been in hospital June 21. We are completely happy with the care she has received.
Regarding value for money, I have no reference point but whilst she can afford this, all is good.
Reply from Mark Macdonald, Owner at The Old Vicarage

Thank you for taking the time to submit a review. We are pleased to see that you rate our service very highly, however this does come at a cost.

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Review from John B (Son of Resident) published on 14 February 2024 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My late mother spent the last few months of her life at "The Old Vic" and we couldn't have found a better place for her. It is like a small hotel, very clean and on lovely grounds. Mum had her own room and it was very well-appointed. She told me the food was very good (although she couldn't always remember
what she'd had!) and she enjoyed the activities, especially the singing, and being in the lounge chatting with the other residents. I cannot praise the staff too highly; they were all lovely and so friendly and accommodating whenever we visited and during mum's last few days they couldn't have been more caring and loving.
Reply from Mark Macdonald, Owner at The Old Vicarage

I'm pleased to hear that you felt your mother received the care and love she deserved while she was living with us. We really do appreciate it when we get such a lovely review.

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Review from S M (Son of Resident) published on 17 November 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
This is a fabulous care home and thank goodness a friend recommended it to us. Dad never wanted to go into a care home but he was struggling at home. He has settled in very well and looks really cared for and he says it's like a hotel with plenty of entertainment.
Reply from Mark Macdonald, Owner at The Old Vicarage

Thank you so much for submitting a review. I’m glad to hear that your dad has settled in.

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Review from Janet A (Daughter of Resident) published on 24 May 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mum went to The Old Vicarage after a bad fall at home. She initially went for respite and to assess what she may need when she went back home. Mum had a fear of going into residential care but this was quickly alleviated. The staff were very caring and welcoming, Mum was made to feel safe and reassured.
Her
room was light and airy with a large window and nicely decorated. The dining room was beautiful, I think she thought she was staying at a lovely hotel. The food was good and there was a glass of wine for those who liked a tipple.
There were plenty of activities to join in with but if you want to go back to your room there was a comfy chair and a TV there.
Mum sadly passed. I can't speak more highly about the care and dignity she received and also to us as a family. I am so thankful for the care given by all the staff at The Old Vicarage.
Reply from Mark Macdonald, Owner at The Old Vicarage

Janet, thank you so much for taking the time to leave a review. I know it will be much appreciated by all staff and hopefully, your comments will be helpful to other families when looking for care for their loved ones.

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Review from David A (Son of Resident) published on 14 November 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My father has been living in one of the bungalows in the grounds for over a year. It has everything he needs and was freshly decorated and nicely furnished. This has enabled him to stay fairly independent, but with the benefit of having meals cooked for him and staff always available if further help
is needed. The staff always seem to be kind and caring. I think Dad is as happy here as he could be anywhere.
Reply from Mark Macdonald, Owner at The Old Vicarage

Thank you for taking the time to submit a review on our close care bungalow's which are situated within the grounds of the care home. I know that our staff try there hardest to make sure that all our residents feel happy and cared for.

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Review from Christine M (Day Care) published on 14 November 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The Old Vicarage has been a haven for my husband, who has been having daycare since September. He has Alzheimer's, and I am his full-time carer. We find the staff welcoming, understanding and friendly. Every time I pick him up, he has a smile on his face and clearly has been reacting positively with
the staff and with residents who he has made friends with. While he cannot remember what he has had to eat for lunch and tea, he clearly has enjoyed his meals and always tells me they were very nice! Equally, he cannot remember exactly what activities he has participated in. The staff, however, often tell me when I go to pick him up and sometimes show me pictures they have taken.
Knowing that my husband is in a safe and caring environment, I am afforded some precious time to recharge my batteries and relax. We both look forward to his daycare, but I have one regret - not using the daycare facility at The Old Vicarage sooner.
Reply from Mark Macdonald, Owner at The Old Vicarage

Thank you for your review and I'm pleased to hear you find the staff welcoming, understanding and friendly. I do think it is important when being a full-time carer for a loved one, to have some quality time for themselves and to maintain their own well-being.

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Review from R C (Son of Resident) published on 5 July 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Seems a very welcoming place. My mother appears well cared for and the carers appear to be knowledgable. Her meals seem acceptable, but I have no knowledge of their quality.
Unfortunately, due to the pandemic, access to the house is extremely limited and I believe activities for the residents is limited.
However, a good residence.
Reply from Mark Macdonald, Owner at The Old Vicarage

Thank you for submitting your review.
We are pleased to read that you like our home and feel that your mother is well cared for.
Unfortunately, care homes are still mandated to operate under government Covid regulations and therefore scheduled visiting, use of PPE and Covid testing are still required to ensure the safety of all our residents.
Whilst the pandemic has greatly restricted our external activities within the local community, an abundance of daily activities still take place and some of these are covered within our regular news bulletin/social media sites.

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Review from Carolyn W (Daughter of Resident) published on 29 June 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Since arriving here, Mum has settled in well and we have been very impressed with all the staff and service. We couldn't be more pleased.
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Review from Wendy B (Daughter of Resident) published on 29 June 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
An excellent care home with very caring staff.
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Review from Margaret C (Daughter of Resident) published on 21 January 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Mum is very well looked after at The Old Vicarage. The staff are wonderful and nothing is too much trouble. The last eighteen months have been so difficult for everyone and we really appreciate the dedication and professionalism of everyone at the Old Vicarage, throughout this period.
Reply from Mark Macdonald, Owner at The Old Vicarage

Dear Margaret, Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. Your feedback is really appreciated by all our staff and I know it will be useful to other people when looking for a suitable Care home for their own loved ones. Kind regards, Mark.

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Review from Nora P (Wife of Resident) published on 11 January 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Everyone was very caring and professional. No complaints at all. Everything was absolutely great.
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Review from Stephen P (Son of Resident) published on 10 December 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Very friendly and welcoming staff. Always a clean and tidy room etc. Great food in nice surroundings.
Reply from Mark Macdonald, Director at The Old Vicarage

Thank you for taking the time to submit a review. These are not only important to ourselves to get your feedback, but they help other potential residents and their families make important decisions when looking for care. Kind regards.

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Review from L T (Daughter of Resident) published on 9 December 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Mum has been a resident for two years and the care she has received has been fantastic. The staff are extremely caring and it is great to know she is so well looked after.
Reply from Mark Macdonald, Director at The Old Vicarage

Thank you for your review. Our staff always appreciate it when their hard work is acknowledged. Kind regards.

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Review from J K (Daughter of Resident) published on 9 December 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Very good and caring staff are making Mum's stay comfortable.
Reply from Mark Macdonald, Director at The Old Vicarage

Thank you for taking the time to submit your review. It is much appreciated. Kind regards.

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Current Review Score: 9.8 (9.750)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.8 (9.750) out of 10 for The Old Vicarage is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  1. The Average Rating is 4.9 out of 5 from 9 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 4.9 out of 5 from 9 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 4.850 for The Old Vicarage is calculated as follows: ( (94 Excellents x 5) + (10 Goods x 4) + (3 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 107 Ratings = 4.85
  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 4.9 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for The Old Vicarage is based on 9 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 = 3.9
    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 37 registered maximum number of service users is 7.4, which has been reached with 9 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: 17 Jan 2024

Overall Good

  • Caring Good
  • Effective Good
  • Responsive Good
  • Safe Good
  • Well-led Good
Care Quality Commission is responsible for the registration and inspection of social care services in England. View Latest Report

Bed Vacancies

1 Bed Vacancy

Posted: 12 Aug 2025

We have one beautiful single en-suite bedroom available. For the more independent resident, we also have a   Close Care bungalow/bedsit available to rent within the grounds. This is an ideal option for the more independent minded resident who requires support close to hand. (cleaning, catering, with day care & activities provided within the home). Available for permanent basis.

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Awards / Recognitions (1)

Meet the Team (0)

There are no team members posted.

Frequently Asked Questions about The Old Vicarage

What types of Care is The Old Vicarage registered for?

Older Person Care, Dementia, Physical Disability, Visual / Hearing Impairment & Eating Disorders are the registered (by the Care Quality Commission) categories of Care.

How many Rooms does The Old Vicarage have?

There are 35 Single Rooms and 1 Couple/Companion Room.

What are the Facilities & Services at The Old Vicarage?

Own Furniture if required, Smoking not permitted, Close to Local shops, Near Public Transport, Lift, Stairlift, Wheelchair Access, Gardens, Phone Point in own room, Television point in own room & Residents Internet Access are some of the Facilities & Services.

How far is The Old Vicarage to the centre of Bolton?

2.0 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 The Old Vicarage to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. The Old Vicarage has an Enhanced Service - more info.