Birch Abbey

55 Alexandra Road, Southport PR9 9HD
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9.4 40 Reviews
  • Birch Abbey, Southport
Birch Abbey is a warm and inviting care home that is part of the Dovehaven family, providing exceptional care in a comfortable and nurturing environment.

Situated in the seaside town of Southport, Birch Abbey offers a range of tailored care services, including residential, dementia, and respite care. The dedicated team ensures that every resident feels valued, supported, and part of the Dovehaven community.

The home features spacious and beautifully designed living areas, comfortable bedrooms, and outdoor spaces where residents can relax, socialise, and enjoy their surroundings. With a variety of engaging activities and freshly prepared meals, Birch Abbey ensures that each day is filled with purpose and enjoyment.

Recognising the importance of family and community, Birch Abbey encourages families to be actively involved in their loved ones’ care and to enjoy regular visits, fostering a true sense of belonging.

Birch Abbey is a special place to call home. To learn more or to arrange a visit, contact the team today.
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Care Provided by Birch Abbey

Primary Care Categories

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

Length of Stay

  • Permanent Care
  • Respite Care

Care Types Provided

  • Nursing Care
  • Dementia Residential Care
  • Dementia Nursing Care
  • For a maximum of 60 Service Users

Dementia Care Types

  • Mild Dementia
  • Moderate Dementia
  • Advanced/Complex 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
  • Wheelchair Access
  • Gardens
  • Bar/Café
  • Residents Kitchenette
  • Phone Point in own room
  • Television point in own room
  • Residents Internet Access

Funding & Fees What's included?

Weekly Charges per Person

  • Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care: from £1050
  • Self-Funded Nursing Care: from £1050
  • Self-Funded Nursing Dementia Care: from £1049
  • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care: from £1050
  • RESPITE Self-Funded Nursing Care: from £1050
  • RESPITE Self-Funded Nursing Dementia Care: from £1050

Please note that fees are starting from prices. The team at Birch Abbey will be happy to provide full guidance on individual care needs, room choice, and funding options, ensuring families receive clear and tailored information to support their decision-making.

The price(s) shown are provided by the care home. Contact Birch Abbey for full pricing details and T&Cs.

Contact Birch Abbey 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)

Support you may be entitled to

If you chose a care home based in England, you may be eligible for NHS Funded Nursing Care (FNC), which helps cover the cost of nursing. This is worth £267.68 per week and is usually paid directly to the care home.

Contact Birch Abbey to confirm what's included and get a personalised quote:

Good to Know

Group/Owner

Person in Charge

  • Rachel Smalley (Home Manager)

Local Authority / Social Services

Admission Information

  • Mixed (no single-gender units)
  • Ages 50+

Care Home Design/Build

  • Purpose Built: Yes
  • Last Refurbishment: 2013

Room Information

  • Single Rooms (60)

Visiting

  • At Dovehaven, families and friends are always welcome, and the team actively encourage regular visits as part of their person-centred approach to care. The team works closely with loved ones to ensure they remain involved and informed, supporting strong and meaningful relationships with residents.

Parking

  • Birch Abbey has a small private car park, however parking is freely available on the residential road outside of the home.

Birch Abbey Reviews (40)

9.4

Birch Abbey has a Review Score of 9.4 (9.371) out of 10, based on 15 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Birch Abbey has 40 reviews.

Overall Experience
  • 30
  • 9
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Date Published
  • 40
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Reviewer Connection to Birch Abbey
  • 13
  • 5
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  • 2
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  • 1
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Total of 40, showing 21-40
Review from P M (Friend of Resident) published on 16 June 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Resident is well looked after.
Staff caring.
Reply from Jan Hunstone, Regional Manager at Birch AbbeyThank you for writing this review. I am pleased you are seeing an improvement with the new management in place.
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Review from L H (Granddaughter of Resident) published on 16 June 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Once care staff know residents, I personally have witnessed a great relationship between my nan and Birch Abbey staff. They understand her needs, make her laugh and make her home an enjoyable place to be.
Be great to see more entertainment and more family events.
Reply from Jan Hunstone, Regional Manager at Birch AbbeyThank you for taking the time to write this review. I am pleased that your Nan enjoys her time within the home. The Home Manager is working hard to enrich the lives of all the residents within the home. She is also working with recruitment to attract an activity coordinator.
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Review from C P (Friend of Resident) published on 25 April 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Excellent care home clean and friendly, warm and welcoming staff from the management team to the carers. Everybody was very accommodating to visitors and the residents couldn’t be better cared for. All in all from the facilities to the care our family couldn’t happier with the service we as a family
and our parent is receiving.
Reply from Jan Hunstone, Regional Manager at Birch AbbeyThank you for taking the time to write this very positive review. I have passed your comments on to the staff team. I am pleased to hear that you and your family have been made to feel welcome and that the home is meeting your needs
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Review from Georgina P (Friend of Resident) published on 18 April 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
What can I say the interim manager has done amazing things at this home since taking over ... staff morale has been boosted meaning the home is filled with laughter having such a positive impact on my friend who lives at Birch Abby. All the residents are looked after like they are the staff's own family.
We are kept updated with things that are going on within the home and changes that the manager and the staff are doing to make sure my friend and the other residents are living their best life in such difficult circumstances amazing Manager and team.
Reply from Alison Foreman, Head of Sales and Marketing at Birch AbbeyWhat a wonderful 5* review! The Manager and her team will be 'over the moon' that you have recognised their hard work and dedication to all of the residents in the home. Kind regards
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Review from B P (Husband of Resident) published on 10 September 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My wife has been in Birch Abbey 2 yrs and 3 months. The manager and staff have been excellent.
Reply from Claire Burgess, Home Manager at Birch AbbeyThank you for your glowing review, we really appreciate your kind words. Myself and the team at Birch Abbey cherish our residents and strive to make our home a happy environment.
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Review from S C (Daughter of Resident) published on 27 August 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our mum chose well! My first visit was welcoming, warm and sincere. Staff are caring, patient, kind, they tick all the boxes!
I knew our dad was and still is contented as he crosses his legs! It has and will always give me peace and harmony that our dad's needs are met to the highest standards. Thank
you all!
Reply from Claire Burgess, Home Manager at Birch AbbeyThank you for your glowing review, we really appreciate your kind words. Myself and the team at Birch Abbey cherish our residents and strive to make our home a happy environment.
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Review from S C (Wife of Resident) published on 27 August 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My husband's social worker wanted me to visit you and my first impression was very good! I was so pleased for him to move there! Everyone has been so kind to our family and I feel at peace that he is being well looked after and he is happy. I know he is! Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Reply from Claire Burgess, Home Manager at Birch AbbeyThank you for your glowing review. We really appreciate your kind words. Myself and the team at Birch Abbey cherish our residents and strive to make our home a happy environment.
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Review from Rita J (Daughter of Resident) published on 20 August 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
I am extremely happy with the care my mother receives at Birch Abbey. The caregivers are thoughtful, kind and supportive with my mum and our family. When mum came to Birch Abbey, she didn't want to be in a care home, so she was angry and argumentative with the staff. Now, mum is happy, calm and loving
towards the staff and us. I would like to thank all the staff at Birch Abbey.
Reply from Claire Burgess, Home Manager at Birch AbbeyThank you for your glowing review, we really appreciate your kind words. Myself and the team at Birch Abbey cherish our residents and strive to make our home a happy environment.
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Review from T H (Son of Resident) published on 18 August 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I am extremely satisfied with the overall decision I made to place my 90-year-old mother at Birch Abbey.
My number 1 priority was safety and that requisite has exceeded my expectations. The staff are excellent and we have a good relationship with them.
In every organisation, things could be better
and I would say that activities need to improve - having said that, a new lady has been appointed and I've met her on several occasions and to say that she is excellent would be an understatement. I can't wait to see what she puts in place after lockdown.
The manager is excellent. A great decision we made.
Reply from Claire Burgess, Home Manager at Birch AbbeyThank you for taking the time to write such a wonderful review, myself and the team at Birch Abbey really appreciate your kind words.
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Review from Karen O (Daughter of Resident) published on 24 July 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I wish all care homes were to the standard of Birch Abbey. Not only are staff hardworking, professional and kind, they genuinely care and respect the residents and treat them as individuals. The staff seem happy to be there and have proper relationships with people in their care and their relatives.
I have become very fond of many of them over the past year.
The actual building/cafe/rooms are clean and cheerful and well looked after and very hygienic. Not remotely depressing. My mum's clothes always look clean on.
This standard of care is achieved and maintained by their astute, dedicated, compassionate manager who is always on the ball.
Reply from Claire Burgess, Home Manager at Birch AbbeyThank you for taking the time to write such a wonderful review, myself and the team at Birch Abbey really appreciate your kind words.
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Review from Catherine (Daughter of Resident) published on 9 July 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I'd always been wary of having my dad in a care home, but the staff at Birch Abbey were incredible. My dad was extremely well looked after, and it was clear that all the staff there genuinely cares about the residents. Towards the end, when dad spent time in hospital, it was a relief when they sent
him back to the care home because we knew the care he would receive there far exceeded the care he was receiving in hospital. Birch Abbey became a home from home for the whole family.
Reply from Claire Burgess, Home Manager at Birch AbbeyThank you for your kind words, we really appreciate your positive feedback.
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Review from Raimonda S (Great-granddaughter of Resident) published on 9 July 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The care and effort provided by the staff of Birch Abbey is second to none.
The effort and time they put in to all the residents is beautiful to see and makes me confident the right decision was made for the care of Nana.
Reply from Claire Burgess, Home Manager at Birch AbbeyThank you for your kind words, we really appreciate your positive feedback.
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Review from Suzanne (Daughter of Resident) published on 11 June 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Thank you to all the staff at Birch Abbey for looking after our mum. We miss our mum lots due to not being able to see her because of the pandemic but we are always assured she is well looked after. It must be very difficult for the staff, as it is a worrying time for everyone and they have their own
worries.
Thank you to everyone and stay safe.
Reply from Claire Burgess, Home Manager at Birch AbbeyThank you for your very kind comments, we at Birch Abbey really appreciate your feedback.
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Review from Patricia A (Daughter of Resident) published on 9 June 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I cannot recommend Birch Abbey enough. Mum has been a resident for the past 12 months and the care she has received has been outstanding. Staff have shown compassion to a lady that had previously failed in another setting. As a family, we had lost hope that there existed a home that would be able to
meet our Mum's needs, how wrong we were. Mum has been able to blossom at Birch Abbey because of the care and attention she has received. Here are a few of the many reasons she is now doing so well:
1) The physical environment is outstanding. Mum's room is beautiful and spotlessly clean. Outdoor space is immaculate, with a garden with chickens.
2) Food is excellent and plentiful. Mum put on the weight she had previously lost and quickly had colour in her cheeks.
3) We are assured that her medical needs are always met by the fantastic nurses within the home.
4) Staff throughout are consistent and familiar to Mum. They never walk past without saying “Hello”.
You’re all amazing, thanks to all the team.
Reply from Claire Burgess, Home Manager at Birch AbbeyThank you for your kind words, we at Birch Abbey really appreciate it.
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Review from Marie G (Daughter of Resident) published on 9 June 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Prior to living here, our Mum lived at a couple of other homes. Therefore, we have a good understanding of what a good care home looks like. Our Mum has complex needs, which the staff at the home have always done their utmost to meet. The staff are approachable and friendly, nothing is too much trouble,
I never feel uncomfortable to raise a concern. I feel safe in the knowledge that our Mum is very well cared for by the hard working staff and most importantly, safe, this gives us peace of mind. As a family member I feel that we are always made to feel welcome.
Reply from Claire Burgess, Home Manager at Birch AbbeyThank You for your kind words, we at Birch Abbey really appreciate it.
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Review from Rebecca A (Daughter of Resident) published on 12 May 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My dad was cared for at Birch Abbey for the final 14 months of his life. He was very happy here. The staff knew him well and were very kind to him, and knew how to make him laugh. They took care to arrange activities that he would enjoy and they became an extended family for my mum. We cannot thank
them enough for the kindness and compassion that was shown to him. Very highly recommended.
Reply from Maxine Farnworth, Estates Manager at Birch AbbeyThank you for your kind words, it means so much to us. We cherished your father and all the special moments we had together.
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Review from Patricia O (Sister of Resident) published on 27 April 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Our sister-in-law has been a resident at Birch Abbey for ten months. She has complex medical needs and requires 24-hour nursing. Birch Abbey care for my sister-in-law and her medical needs with the highest standard of care. The manager is approachable and will always engage in a talk with us to put
us at our ease. The Assistant Manager is also a very caring and approachable member of staff. My sister-in-law is very settled and happy at Birch Abbey.
Reply from Claire Burgess, Home Manager at Birch AbbeyThank you so much for your kind words, we really appreciate it.
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Review from Tom B (Grandson of Resident) published on 21 April 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The care provided for my grandfather by all the staff was brilliant, catering to all his needs and requirements, and in these times making sure he was treated with the utmost dignity and respect.
They have and always will have my respect.
Thank you all.
Reply from Claire Burgess, Home Manager at Birch AbbeyThank you for your lovely review, we really appreciate your kind words.
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Review from Chris B (Son of Resident) published on 19 March 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My dad has lived here for 14 months and his care has been second to none, after significant issues at home.
Reply from Claire Burgess, Home Manager at Birch AbbeyThank you for such a lovely review, we really appreciate your kind words.
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Review from B B (Daughter-in-law of Resident) published on 28 February 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
My mother-in-law has lived at Birch Abbey for over three years now, and in that time, has had a number of serious health conditions. The staff have always been fantastic with her and kept us informed of all appointments/incidents that have happened in relation to her health.
Reply from Maxine Farnworth, Estates Manager at Birch AbbeyThank you for your kind words, we treasure your positive feedback.
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Current Review Score: 9.4 (9.371)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.4 (9.371) out of 10 for Birch Abbey is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  1. The Average Rating is 4.5 out of 5 from 15 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 4.9 out of 5 from 14 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 4.521 for Birch Abbey is calculated as follows: ( (112 Excellents x 5) + (38 Goods x 4) + (10 Satisfactorys x 3) + (6 Poors x 2) + (1 Very Poors x 1) ) ÷ 167 Ratings = 4.521
  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 4.85 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Birch Abbey is based on 14 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 20 Positive Reviews in the last 24 months; 3 points for the first Positive Review, 0.125 Points for each of the next four Positive Reviews, 0.05 Points for the next five Positive Reviews, and finally 0.025 Points for the next ten Positive Reviews. (1st = 3.000, 2nd = 0.125, 3rd = 0.125, 4th = 0.125, 5th = 0.125, 6th = 0.050, 7th = 0.050, 8th = 0.050, 9th = 0.050, 10th = 0.050, 11th = 0.025, 12th = 0.025, 13th = 0.025, 14th = 0.025, 15th = 0.025, 16th = 0.025, 17th = 0.025, 18th = 0.025, 19th = 0.025, 20th = 0.025) 3 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.05 + 0.05 + 0.05 + 0.05 + 0.05 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 = 3.85
    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 60 registered maximum number of service users is 12, which has been reached with 14 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 May 2024

Overall Requires improvement

  • Caring Requires improvement
  • 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.

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Awards / Recognitions (2)

Meet the Team (1)

Rachel

Rachel Smalley

Job Title: Home Manager

Rachel Smalley leads the team at Birch Abbey, ensuring our commitment to providing the very best dementia care Southport has to offer. For Rachel and the team, the health, well-being, and happiness of our residents is always the number one priority.


"What makes Birch Abbey special is our genuine understanding of dementia and how we can create an environment where people feel safe, valued, and truly at home. Every person has their own story, and it's our privilege to honour that whilst providing the expert care they need."


Rachel ensures that our purpose-built design and person-centred approach work together to create the best possible life for every resident.

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