
Staff are caring, patient, kind, they tick all the boxes!S C(Daughter of Resident/Service User)

I am extremely happy with the care my mother receives at Birch AbbeyRita J(Daughter of Resident/Service User)


Staff are caring, patient, kind, they tick all the boxes!S C(Daughter of Resident/Service User)

I am extremely happy with the care my mother receives at Birch AbbeyRita J(Daughter of Resident/Service User)


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,...
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.
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
Weekly Charges per Person
Contact Birch Abbey to confirm what's included and get a personalised quote:
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.
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 choose 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.
Tours
Good to Know
Group / Owner
- Dovehaven
- Private Owned
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 (53)
Birch Abbey has a Review Score of 9.6 (9.619) out of 10, based on 28 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Birch Abbey has 53 reviews.
Thank you to all the care team at Birch Abbey. You are unfailingly cheerful, everyone knows the names of the residents and have a ward or two as they go about their duties. Mum can be a little quiet at times, doesn't always join in, but enjoys the activities from the side lines. There was a lovely...
Thank you to all the care team at Birch Abbey. You are unfailingly cheerful, everyone knows the names of the residents and have a ward or two as they go about their duties. Mum can be a little quiet at times, doesn't always join in, but enjoys the activities from the side lines. There was a lovely singer in the other week, Mum was actually mouthing the words of the songs - lovely! Your care getting her up and dressed every day shows - she is always dressed in co-ordinating colours, as she likes - Thanks. xx
Thank you for your kind words. Its great to hear that your mum enjoys the atmosphere at Birch Abbey and that our care teams are always friendly and cheerful.
This care home has undergone a big transformation in the last 18 months and is still a work in progress. However, the enormous efforts made are very visible. They have had a productive recruitment drive and they have improved their acivities program. The staff are happy and there is a lovely...
This care home has undergone a big transformation in the last 18 months and is still a work in progress. However, the enormous efforts made are very visible. They have had a productive recruitment drive and they have improved their acivities program. The staff are happy and there is a lovely atmosphere all round.The manager is approachable and happy to help. The carers are kind, compassionate and attentive. The chef and kitchen staff are always happy to help with dietary requirements. The laundry staff are great and clothing turnaround is quick. All the rooms are ensuite and they are kept clean and tidy by housekeeping. Its a good place to have a loved one cared for.
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We're really pleased to hear that the positive changes, team efforts and welcoming atmosphere have been recognised. Your kind words about Rachel, Birch Abbey Home Manager and other staff means a lot to us and we are grateful to have your support as we continue to build and improve.
I genuinely cannot speak highly enough of the staff at Birch Abbey. We recently lost my mum after years of care here. They have gone above and beyond ever day of her stay. They bought any equipment her care required, but more importantly these people genuinely care about the residents welfare....
I genuinely cannot speak highly enough of the staff at Birch Abbey. We recently lost my mum after years of care here. They have gone above and beyond ever day of her stay. They bought any equipment her care required, but more importantly these people genuinely care about the residents welfare. Despite living a few hours away, I never once worried about her care. They loved her and cared for her. For that, I will be eternally grateful and say my heartfelt thanks.
Thank you for sharing such a heartfelt review. We are truly sorry for the loss of your mum, and our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time. It means so much to hear how supported and reassured you felt by the team, even from a distance.
The home is lovely, and the care is great. Dad is happy and settled, he is clean and well looked after. Although most staff are agency and therefore don't know my dad well, and his needs....
The home is lovely, and the care is great. Dad is happy and settled, he is clean and well looked after. Although most staff are agency and therefore don't know my dad well, and his needs. The permanent staff and care managers know dad and it helps us as a family knowing this. More permanent staff, please.
Thank you for taking the time to write this review. I and the team appreciate that additional permanent staff are required and recruitment are working very hard to achieve this. In addition we try to book the same agency staff to maintain continuity of care. I will pass on your positive comments to the staff team.
On visiting our friend we found her to be sound asleep and we were unable to waken her. Being concerned we called for a nurse and were told they were on a break. We waited for another 20 minutes and being unable to waken our friend we became concerned and called for a nurse to come immediately....
On visiting our friend we found her to be sound asleep and we were unable to waken her. Being concerned we called for a nurse and were told they were on a break. We waited for another 20 minutes and being unable to waken our friend we became concerned and called for a nurse to come immediately. The senior assistant came took her blood pressure which was ok. We were very concerned that our friend was being prescribed 10mg of morphine daily which appeared to be making her drowsy a lot. She was not in pain. She appeared as if she had been overdosed. We have never seen her like this before. We requested an urgent review of her medication with a view to weaning her off morphine. When she entered the home a year ago she was perfectly compos mentos and independent and has since become very lethargic and miserable. We have seen a huge deterioration in her ability to function as a result of new medication and being deskilled.
In response to your comments, we thank you for taking the time to write this but would like to point out that all medication that is administered to any of our residents is done so under the strict guidance of the medical professionals involved in her care and as such her medication has been...
In response to your comments, we thank you for taking the time to write this but would like to point out that all medication that is administered to any of our residents is done so under the strict guidance of the medical professionals involved in her care and as such her medication has been reviewed and deemed appropriate. She has also undergone a review by social services who have deemed her to be in the appropriate placement for her level of need, she also has an advocate who is involved to ensure her health and well being are being prioritised.
My husband has only been cared for at Birch Abbey for a few months, but in that time I have found the care he is receiving very good. He has high care needs that require constant monitoring and attention and they are being met. I visit each day and the staff are always pleasant and helpful. Meals...
My husband has only been cared for at Birch Abbey for a few months, but in that time I have found the care he is receiving very good. He has high care needs that require constant monitoring and attention and they are being met. I visit each day and the staff are always pleasant and helpful. Meals are good and there is always a choice of menu available. My husband has settled in well and is content.
Thank you for sharing such kind words about Birch Abbey. We're so pleased to hear that your husband has settled in well and that you're happy with the care he's receiving. Our team is dedicated to providing attentive and compassionate care and it's wonderful to know their efforts are making a positive difference.
Birch Abbey is a good as it gets. Friendly management and staff, always ready to help. The home is always clean. Very nice gardens, could not fault the facilities and good layout of the building. I can not comment on value for money as I do not have the details.
Birch Abbey is a good as it gets. Friendly management and staff, always ready to help. The home is always clean. Very nice gardens, could not fault the facilities and good layout of the building. I can not comment on value for money as I do not have the details.
Thank you so much for your kind words. We're thrilled to hear such positive feedback about Birch Abbey. Our team is dedicated to creating a friendly and supportive environment for all our residents and visitors and it's wonderful to know their efforts are appreciated.
My husband was admitted to Birch Abbey last November for 4 weeks of respite. He ended up staying there for 12 months. He became ill and was admitted to hospital where we were told he was end of life. We managed to get him back to Birch Abbey where we wanted him to get the amazing care he needed....
I can't thank each and every one of you for all the care my husband received. I was with him right till the end. Highly recommended.
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience with Birch Abbey. It's truly humbling to hear how much our care meant to you and your husband during such a challenging time. We are pleased that you trusted us with his care and it's heartwarming to know that our team could provide the support and compassion you both needed.
Big thank you to all caring staff and managers for understanding how hard it's been for us as a family to see so many changes in my mum over the past months and understanding the changes that have occurred, I can honestly say massive thank you for taking time to listen to us as family and help in...
The decoration in the home makes it feel homely and warm and lovely to walk into when we visit our relatives and loved ones. Big shout out to the domestic and laundry team as they are amazing not forgetting the kitchen staff as they are amazing as well.
It's a big help having someone one front of house as receptionist to help answer the door.
Best wishes
Thank You for your kind words, its heartwarming and very much appreciated.
Staff are wonderful but overworked. Management shows no interest. Leadership qualities lacking.
Staff are wonderful but overworked. Management shows no interest. Leadership qualities lacking.
Thank you very much for your review and comments. We are very pleased to know that you found the care team 'wonderful' as this is so important to us that the care and support given to residents is the best it can be. We do apologise that you found 'management' lacking but if you raised an issue...
Thank you very much for your review and comments. We are very pleased to know that you found the care team 'wonderful' as this is so important to us that the care and support given to residents is the best it can be. We do apologise that you found 'management' lacking but if you raised an issue during your stay which we have not resolved, please do not hesitate to get back in touch. Kind regards.
I am happy with the care my wife is receiving.
I am happy with the care my wife is receiving.
Thank you for taking the time to complete this review. I am pleased that you are happy with your wife's care, but never forget the door for the Manager is always open for suggestions and comments. I have passed your comments on to the homes team.
The room was spotlessly clean.
The room was spotlessly clean.
Thank you for your kind words, the team at Birch Abbey work tirelessly to ensure each and every resident feels loved, welcomed and cared for and that includes their visitors. We appreciate you taking the time to review the home.
My mother has been a resident for nearly two years and there has been massive improvements made with the latest manager. Times through the pandemic were tough for both the residents and staff who worked very hard, but understaffing was evident. However, these are now much better with an activities...
My mother has been a resident for nearly two years and there has been massive improvements made with the latest manager. Times through the pandemic were tough for both the residents and staff who worked very hard, but understaffing was evident. However, these are now much better with an activities coordinator in place and better staffing levels. The love from the staff for the residents and relatives shines through. Well done all and let's hope it carries on!
Thank you for taking the time to write this review. I have passed your positive comments onto the home manager and her team. COVID was tough as you say for all of us, but we are now seeing as you rightly state light at the end of the tunnel.
Birch Abbey has been home to my partner for one and a half years. It has been a difficult time for him during the pandemic. He has been cared for by very caring staff. I have found sometimes there have not been many staff around, but this was due to Covid and many people off sick. Things have now...
Birch Abbey has been home to my partner for one and a half years. It has been a difficult time for him during the pandemic. He has been cared for by very caring staff. I have found sometimes there have not been many staff around, but this was due to Covid and many people off sick. Things have now improved, and I have no doubt Birch Abbey is the right place for him, safe and run by a very reliable and friendly team.
Thank you very much for your review of Birch Abbey. You are correct, the pandemic presented difficulties for residents, staff and families. Staffing has become more of an issue as the pandemic progressed, but the way we cared for residents had to change as soon as all risks were identified....
Thank you very much for your review of Birch Abbey. You are correct, the pandemic presented difficulties for residents, staff and families. Staffing has become more of an issue as the pandemic progressed, but the way we cared for residents had to change as soon as all risks were identified. Rigorous testing of both residents, staff and visitors, as well as keeping residents at safe distances, meant that homes could not operate with the same organised activities, visits and routines. Changes were handled in a caring and considerate way for all involved, and the praise you give to the 'very reliable and loyal team' at Birch Abbey is very well deserved. Kind regards.
Be great to see more entertainment and more family events.
Be great to see more entertainment and more family events.
Thank 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.
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...
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.
Thank 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
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...
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.
What 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
My wife has been in Birch Abbey 2 yrs and 3 months. The manager and staff have been excellent.
My wife has been in Birch Abbey 2 yrs and 3 months. The manager and staff have been excellent.
Thank 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.
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....
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!
Thank 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.
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.
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.
Thank 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.
Regulatory Rating
Care Quality Commission (CQC) Rating
Date: 17 May 2024Requires improvement
- CaringRequires improvement
- EffectiveRequires improvement
- ResponsiveGood
- SafeRequires improvement
- Well-ledRequires improvement
Inspection ratings
We rate most services according to how safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led they are, using four levels:
- Outstanding - The service is performing exceptionally well.
- Good - The service is performing well and meeting our expectations.
- Requires Improvement - The service isn't performing as well as it should and we have told the service how it must improve.
- Inadequate - The service is performing badly and we've taken action against the person or organisation that runs it.
- Not rated - we have not yet rated this area of the service, this is normally because the assessments we have carried out have been focused on other key questions.
Bed Vacancies
Please contact us for latest vacancies.
News (0) & Events (0)
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Accreditations
There are no accreditations posted yet for Birch Abbey.
Meet the Team (1)

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...
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 -what an Enhanced Service includes.