Abbeyfield Downing House

14 Swinbourne Grove, Withington, Manchester M20 4PP
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8.3 17 Reviews
  • Abbeyfield Downing House, Manchester
Downing house is a residential care home, offering a high quality of care for residents.

Downing House is purpose built, with a lounge and a comfortable, homely atmosphere.

Experienced staff have a reputation for being friendly and welcoming.

The gardens are newly re-designed following a consultation with both residents and their families, with improved access for those with restricted mobility.

Residents are encouraged to bring their own furniture and decorations in order to make their rooms as homely as possible.

Staff recognise the importance of maintaining relationships with family and friends. They support residents in pursuing hobbies and interests by offering a variety of activities from in house entertainment to outings.

Talk to the team about respite stays:

Abbeyfield are proud to offer respite stays here, a short-stay that can be planned ahead, or in the case of an emergency, last-minute. Suitable for individuals seeking support following post-operative or hospital care, or whilst their regular caregiver takes a break, respite care can also be used as a way of introducing long-term residential care to a loved one.

Respite stays include:
- 24/7 care support from qualified and friendly staff
- Daily activities
- Nutritious meals served daily (dietary requirements can be catered for)
- Housekeeping and linen service

*Respite prices may vary depending on needs.

This property is managed by Abbeyfield Living Society (a trading name of The Abbeyfield Society).
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Care Provided

Primary Care Categories

  • Older Person Care
  • Dementia

Length of Stay

  • Permanent Care
  • Respite Care

Care Types Provided

  • Residential Care
  • Dementia Residential Care
  • For a maximum of 25 Service Users

Dementia Care Types

  • Mild Dementia
  • Moderate Dementia

Facilities

  • Own Furniture if required
  • Smoking not permitted
  • Close to Local shops
  • Near Public Transport
  • Lift
  • 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: from £1263

These prices are only a guideline, please contact Abbeyfield Downing House to find out the exact price for your requirements.

Good to Know

Person in charge

  • Claire Williamson (Care Home Manager )

Local Authority / Social Services

Admission Criteria

  • Ages 65+

Care Home Design/Build

  • Purpose Built: Yes
  • Last Refurbishment: 2015

Room Information

  • Single Rooms (25)

Abbeyfield Downing House Reviews (17)

8.3

Abbeyfield Downing House has a Review Score of 8.3 (8.264) out of 10, based on 2 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Abbeyfield Downing House has 17 reviews.

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Review from C H (Daughter of Resident) published on 25 September 2025 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We used Downing House Care Home for respite for my mum for 3 weeks and it was an excellent experience. The staff are wonderful, they engaged brilliantly with mum and kept me updated and reassured throughout her stay. This is the third bout of respite we have experienced and the second care home we have
used, and I have to say, the standard of care here was night and day. I didn't worry about mum here. Mum is quite active, she likes to potter and be active and they encouraged her to just be herself and keep her routine. They have a great programme of activities, and from what I saw, a lovely team who care about the residents. And refreshing to see permanent staff and not agency. All residents were clean and well-dressed when I visited. Downing House may not be as aesthetically pleasing as some other homes, but it has heart and it cares. It's a shame the third-party top-up is too high for our family to sustain long-term; otherwise, it would have been a contender for permanent care
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Review from Angela G (Sister-in-law of Resident) published on 4 April 2024 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
After having a traumatic and shockingly poor experience at her previous care home, my sister-in-law has settled wonderfully into Downing House, considering how damaged she was. The staff are caring and patient, the food good and environment homely and clean.
I can leave her after a visit knowing that
she is safe and well-cared for.
Reply from Ian Nancollas, Fundraising Database and Compliance Officer at Abbeyfield Downing House

Thank you for taking the time to leave us a 5 star review. It's wonderful to read that your sister-in-law is settling in so well at Downing House.

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Review from Paul F (Son of Resident) published on 23 September 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
The staff are courteous, helpful and caring. My mother has been a resident for nearly three years and is happily settled in Downing House Care Home.
Apart from the issues with the laundry and the wi-fi, which I understand are being addressed, I feel the care provided is very good.
I live some three-hundred
miles away so most of my contact is via video calls to my mum's mobile, the staff help facilitate these.
Thanks to the staff for all your efforts during the challenges presented by Covid.
I would recommend Downing House.
Reply from Suzanne Brammer, Digital Marketing Officer at Abbeyfield Downing House

Thank you for taking the time to review Downing House, Paul. We really appreciate such positive feedback and are glad to hear that your mum is happy here.

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Review from Donna J (Daughter of Resident) published on 20 September 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
My mother moved to Downing House Care Home about a year ago from a larger home in another part of England. Since moving to Downing House, a much smaller facility, she has been so much happier. The staff are nothing but welcoming, friendly and helpful. The level of service and care has been very good.
They made sure that when my mum moved in she was integrated into the life of the home at a pace that suited her and was made to feel welcomed.
My mum is encouraged to socialise with other residents and now readily participates in the wide variety of activities that the home are now able to put on as Covid restrictions are relaxed. Having said that, every care is still taken to ensure that residents are safe and if necessary restrictions are put in place to keep everyone safe.
I would not hesitate to recommend Downing House to anyone, as it has made a huge difference to my mum and her mental health, which was beginning to suffer prior to her move. A lovely, homely and caring place.
Reply from Suzanne Brammer, Digital Marketing Officer at Abbeyfield Downing House

Thank you for such a wonderful review, Donna, we really appreciate your positive feedback. It is great to hear how happy your mum is here.

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Review from J H (Daughter of Resident) published on 15 September 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
My mother has been a resident in Downing House for over 2 years. She has settled in well and made friends with other residents and I am very happy knowing that she is being well looked after by the carers. I am very thankful for the way that the carers have looked after my mother during the pandemic
and I was very impressed that the manager when required has put a uniform on and provided daily care. I have found the carers to be friendly, kind and helpful.
My mother enjoys the variety of activities and she thinks the food is very good. She has been given the freedom to choose the routines which suit her best.
I would recommend this care home. There are improvements being made to the fabric of the building but the most important thing for me is the actual care that is given to the residents.
Reply from Suzanne Brammer, Digital Marketing Officer at Abbeyfield Downing House

Thank you for taking the time to leave a review, we really appreciate your feedback. We are pleased to hear that your mother is happy at Downing House.

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Review from Lidia D (Daughter of Resident) published on 31 August 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Living abroad means I rely on family and carers to care for my dad. During this time and through Covid, I have had the opportunity to video call with my dad on a regular basis (depending on his wellness at the time). Dad has had some difficulties which meant he had to spend several periods in hospital.
Communication between the manager and my family has been outstanding. Through this communication, we have witnessed just how much the manager and her team care for my dad, who at 96, is still an inspiring spirit despite his many setbacks. I could not ask for more. I call regularly and always feel welcome to do so, often the staff answering the phone will chat with me and update me on my dad if he isn't able to talk to me at that time. I am really impressed and will be forever grateful for their care, compassion and also level of communication. (I have not seen the facility but I know my family is very pleased with everything).
Reply from Suzanne Brammer, Digital Marketing Officer at Abbeyfield Downing House

Thank you for taking the time to review Downing House, Lidia, we are delighted to hear such positive feedback about your dad's experience at the house.

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Review from P M (Son of Resident) published on 28 February 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Overall, the level of care is very good as are the meals. There are obvious issues that the management need to address regarding the laundry and general cleaning, and hopefully, this will be corrected soon.
Placing a loved one into the care of others is a trying time but this has been eased by the
friendliness of the management and staff. I look forward to the time that Covid restrictions are eased and the hope that Downing House will become a home in which residents, staff and visitors can feel a bit more relaxed together.
Reply from Suzanne Brammer, Digital Marketing Officer at Abbeyfield Downing House

Thank you for taking the time to leave a review of Downing House, we are pleased to hear that you are happy with the friendly staff here. Your comments regarding the laundry and cleaning will be passed to the team to look into.

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Review from Lisa B (Respite Resident) published on 28 February 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Going into Downing House for respite care was a difficult experience for my mum, who is nearing 90 and did not want to leave her supported living flat some distance away, but the firm of private carers that were attending her three times a day had folded and we had two weeks to find alternative assistance,
with the only firm able to pick up the need being unable to start doing so until several weeks later.
Downing House came to our aid, and from the moment Mum was received there the kind, cheerful staff were making her welcome and comfortable. It did take a while for her to realise that she was actually enjoying being there, but, contrary to her expectations she did start settling in, before a fall sadly led to her hospitalisation and the end of a stay that we had started to hope would become permanent.
I'd have no hesitation in recommending Downing House to any family needing care for their mum, short-or long-term.
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Review from James B (Son of Resident) published on 30 July 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We were invited to have a look around Downing House and was very surprised at how nice the place was. So clean and everyone couldn't do enough for us. I was very happy to leave mum there for a week's respite. I felt so relaxed on my holiday knowing mum was being well looked after and very happy how
mum looked when we picked her up.
We will be using Downing House from now on.
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Review from Jane B (Power of Attorney of Resident) published on 21 January 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
I act for two ladies who have no relatives and are both placed at Downing House. The home are very accommodating and liaise well with me, regarding all the ladies need. I am impressed with the overall care.
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Review from L N (Sister of Resident) published on 16 November 2017 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I cannot praise this care home enough excellent facilities. I visit regularly on different days and times and the staff always have a smile. Wonderful activities for the residents. Keep up the good work.
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Review from Kay R (Daughter of Resident) published on 6 November 2017 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Downing House is a small, friendly, well run unit with competent, long term staff. My mother is very happy there. The food, care and accommodation are good
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Review from Harold H (Husband of Resident) published on 17 August 2017 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I believe Downing House is most efficiently organised. It is clean and the residents are top priority when it comes to being cared for.
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Review from L W (Daughter of Resident) published on 12 July 2017 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mother went into Downing House in November 2016. We had visited numerous care homes before deciding that Downing was the place for Mum to reside.


Since she has been there we have been very impressed with the way she has been looked after.


The staff are caring and very friendly and work very

well as a team.
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Review from Sue C (Daughter of Resident) published on 7 July 2017 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I liked the calm, cosy feel of Downing House when I visited. Staff are welcoming and responded to mums needs well. I feel her individuality is respected. Mum really enjoys the food. The menus are varied and mealtimes can be flexible if needed. The garden, although small, is very tranquil and well maintained.
Mum enjoys being outside. I feel there is a good partnership between my mum, myself and the staff. I visit at least twice a week and feel I have made the right decision.
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Review from Ros l (Daughter of Resident) published on 30 June 2017 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mother was a resident of the Abbeyfield Downing House Home in Withington near Manchester for approximately five years. When she arrived she was relatively active, made several new friends and was quite participatory in the activities that the staff organised (of which there were many to choose from).
Not long into her stay her health got the better of her and she became pretty much confined to her room. The team at the home could not have been more helpful or supportive. They took care of her every need, not only making sure that she was fine physically, but also that she was mentally stimulated too. There was good consistency of the team around her and she became very fond of them all and they of her. They continued to care for her with unbelievable care and attention until she passed away in early June 2017. I live overseas and always had the peace of mind that I did not have to worry about her wellbeing so far away. I highly recommend Downing House to any family.
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Review from Cheryl S (Daughter of Resident) published on 23 June 2017 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mum has been in Downing House since August 2012 for the last two years she has been in bed on end of life care. Her care has been wonderful, outstanding and the exceptional staff have always maintained her dignity and treated her with affection and kindness. Most of the staff have been there all
the time and familiarity is very important. The staff regularly organise events and try to involve all. There is a cheerful atmosphere with music and a nice garden to enjoy. I can only speak highly of Downing House as I do not think my mum would be alive today if it wasn't for the professional exceptional care she is receiving. Everyone is so friendly and courteous constantly.
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Current Review Score: 8.3 (8.264)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 8.3 (8.264) out of 10 for Abbeyfield Downing House 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 2 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 3.5 out of 5 from 2 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 4.739 for Abbeyfield Downing House is calculated as follows: ( (18 Excellents x 5) + (4 Goods x 4) + (1 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 23 Ratings = 4.739
  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 3.525 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Abbeyfield Downing House is based on 2 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 = 3.125
    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 25 registered maximum number of service users is 5. 2 Positive Reviews ÷ 5 = 0.4
  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: 8 Feb 2020

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

Please contact us for latest vacancies.

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Awards / Recognitions (1)

Meet the Team (1)

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Claire

Job Title: Care Home Manager Joined: 2024

Claire has been a registered nurse for the last 16 years, working in older age, acute mental health and forensic settings. She has been managing mental health services since 2018 and began at Abbeyfield in September 2024.

Frequently Asked Questions about Abbeyfield Downing House

What types of Care is Abbeyfield Downing House registered for?

Older Person Care & Dementia are the registered (by the Care Quality Commission) categories of Care.

How many Rooms does Abbeyfield Downing House have?

There are 25 Single Rooms.

What are the Facilities & Services at Abbeyfield Downing House?

Own Furniture if required, Smoking not permitted, Close to Local shops, Near Public Transport, Lift, 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 Abbeyfield Downing House to the centre of Manchester?

3.0 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 Abbeyfield Downing House to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Abbeyfield Downing House has an Enhanced Service - more info.