






Dunniwood Lodge Care Home in Bessacarr, Doncaster provides residential, dementia, respite and day care in a supportive and welcoming environment.
Recognised as national dementia-friendly award winners, the team at Dunniwood Lodge are proud to deliver high quality, person-centred care for people with a variety of needs.
They recognise that moving into a care home is a significant life change and prioritise making sure every resident feels welcomed, respected and understood from...
Care Provided by Dunniwood Lodge
Primary Care Categories
- Older Person Care
- Dementia
- Mental Health Condition
- Physical Disability
- Eating Disorders
Length of Stay
- Permanent Care
- Respite Care
Care Types Provided
- Residential Care
- Dementia Residential Care
- For a maximum of 41 Service Users
Dementia Care TypesMild Dementia
Someone living with our definition of "mild dementia" might experience some or all of the following:
- Memory problems such as misplacing items and not be able to recall recent events (however, in some forms of dementia a person's memory may be unchanged)
- Difficulties thinking through problems and planning, making decisions
- Language and communication issues such as finding it difficult to recall the appropriate word in a conversation or following a conversation
- Poor orientation, getting lost in areas previously familiar to them
- Difficulty judging distances (more falls than usual)
- Changes in their normal mood including anxiety and depression
- In certain types of dementia, personality and behaviour changes may be present alongside or instead of issues with memory or concentration.
Moderate Dementia
Someone living with our definition of "moderate dementia" might experience some or all of the following:
- Worsened memory problems. Not always recognising own family members and friends. Repeating the same questions over and over again
- Worsened language and communication issues, forgetting what they are saying mid-sentence. Not being able to understand what someone else is saying
- More frequent confusion, e.g. about the time of day or where they are, including their own home
- Apathy, depression and anxiety
- Believing things that aren't true (paranoia)
- Frequent hallucinations
- Lack of emotional control, quick to anger, fearfulness, sadness
- Loss of inhibition
- Difficulties sleeping or waking during the night and behaving as though it is daytime - loss of circadian rhythm.
Advanced Dementia
Someone living with our definition of "severe dementia" might experience some or all of the following:
- Severe memory problems. Not recognising family members and friends. Not being able to recall their own name
- Severe language and communication issues, not being able to understand what someone else is saying
- Severe confusion, e.g. about the time of day or where they are, including their own home
- Apathy, depression and anxiety
- Believing things that aren't true (paranoia)
- Frequent hallucinations
- Lack of emotional control, quick to anger, fearfulness, sadness
- Loss of inhibition
- Difficulties sleeping or waking during the night and behaving as though it is daytime - loss of circadian rhythm.
Verbally or physically aggressive behaviour
If your loved one displays this type of behaviour you may need a care home that has specially trained staff. Verbal/physical aggression is often defined:
- Consistent shouting and screaming
- Verbal abuse
- Physical abuse
How we define Dementia Care Types
Mild Dementia
Someone living with our definition of "mild dementia" might experience some or all of the following:
- Memory problems such as misplacing items and not be able to recall recent events (however, in some forms of dementia a person's memory may be unchanged)
- Difficulties thinking through problems and planning, making decisions
- Language and communication issues such as finding it difficult to recall the appropriate word in a conversation or following a conversation
- Poor orientation, getting lost in areas previously familiar to them
- Difficulty judging distances (more falls than usual)
- Changes in their normal mood including anxiety and depression
- In certain types of dementia, personality and behaviour changes may be present alongside or instead of issues with memory or concentration.
Moderate Dementia
Someone living with our definition of "moderate dementia" might experience some or all of the following:
- Worsened memory problems. Not always recognising own family members and friends. Repeating the same questions over and over again
- Worsened language and communication issues, forgetting what they are saying mid-sentence. Not being able to understand what someone else is saying
- More frequent confusion, e.g. about the time of day or where they are, including their own home
- Apathy, depression and anxiety
- Believing things that aren't true (paranoia)
- Frequent hallucinations
- Lack of emotional control, quick to anger, fearfulness, sadness
- Loss of inhibition
- Difficulties sleeping or waking during the night and behaving as though it is daytime - loss of circadian rhythm.
Advanced Dementia
Someone living with our definition of "severe dementia" might experience some or all of the following:
- Severe memory problems. Not recognising family members and friends. Not being able to recall their own name
- Severe language and communication issues, not being able to understand what someone else is saying
- Severe confusion, e.g. about the time of day or where they are, including their own home
- Apathy, depression and anxiety
- Believing things that aren't true (paranoia)
- Frequent hallucinations
- Lack of emotional control, quick to anger, fearfulness, sadness
- Loss of inhibition
- Difficulties sleeping or waking during the night and behaving as though it is daytime - loss of circadian rhythm.
Verbally or physically aggressive behaviour
If your loved one displays this type of behaviour you may need a care home that has specially trained staff. Verbal/physical aggression is often defined:
- Consistent shouting and screaming
- Verbal abuse
- Physical abuse
How we define Dementia Care Types
- Mild Dementia
- Moderate Dementia
- Advanced/Complex Dementia
Other Care Provided
- Parkinson's Disease
- Stroke
- Palliative / End of Life Care
- COPD/Pulmonary Disease
- Bariatric Care/Obesity
- Convalescent Care
- Acquired Brain Injury (ABI)
Facilities
- Smoking not permitted
- Close to Local shops
- Near Public Transport
- Minibus or other transport
- Lift
- Wheelchair Access
- Gardens
- Residents Kitchenette
- Phone Point in own room
- Television point in own room
- Residents Internet Access
Funding & Fees
Weekly Charges per Person
This includes planning and delivery, person-centered care plan, all meals, snacks and drinks, access to the full range of in-home activities, hairdressing and chiropody facility (upon request), access to a minibus for trips, utilities such as water, heating and electric, all accommodation costs, housekeeping and laundry service (excluding dry-cleaning), 24 hours staffing to meet their needs.
Due to the costs, we incur in preparing a room and the plan of Care for arrival, the minimum term of respite care is one whole week. This mean that if your stay is less than one week, you will be responsible for our charges for one whole week.
The price(s) shown are provided by the care home. Contact Dunniwood Lodge for full pricing details and T&Cs.
Contact Dunniwood Lodge 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)
Good to Know
Group / Owner
- Each Other Care
- Private Owned
Person in charge
- Gemma Lindley (Home Manager)
Local Authority / Social Services
Admission Information
- Ages 60+
Care Home Design/Build
- Purpose Built: Yes
- Number of floors: 2
Room Information
- Single Rooms (41)
- Single Rooms with ensuite Wet Room (2)
Parking
- On-site parking
Dunniwood Lodge Reviews (52)
Dunniwood Lodge has a Review Score of 8.4 (8.445) out of 10, based on 3 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Dunniwood Lodge has 52 reviews.
Ehots is difficult to define but instantly recognisable. My experience of this establishment was one of unreserved care, but also overwhelming compassion, whereby the dignity of the residents was always of paramount importance, and recognised as such.
Thank you so much for your thoughtful words. We are truly grateful that you recognised not only the care we provide, but also the compassion and respect for dignity that are at the heart of everything we do. Feedback like yours means a great deal to our team and affirms our commitment to making residents feel valued and supported every day.
My husband spent 3 months in Dunniwood Lodge before his death. The care he received was excellent. He was shown kindnesses and consideration by every member of staff from management to the house keeping staff. Having Dementia he wasn't always easy to deal with but they never gave up on him. All the staff were friendly and caring and obviously committed to their roles. They became my husbands family and gave him a quality of life he hadn't experienced for a long time.
My brother and I had to find an emergency care home for our dad back in June as our mum couldn't care for him at home any longer due to her health, it was awful splitting them up after 67 years marriage, the team came and assessed him and said they would take him, Dunniwood literally changed our lives, then back in November our mum got ill and took mum in to be with dad. I cannot praise and thank the staff enough for their care and support over the last few months mum and dad loved it, they even got out together for lunch something we could never have done, sadly our dad passed away just before Xmas but they got their wish which was mum holding his hand, all the staff are amazing my mum loves them all and I can sleep knowing she is in good hands thank you all.
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience with others. It was an honour to know and care for your dad and create such positive and meaningful moments for you all in those final months. Your mum continues to be such a special part of our shared community and there are plenty more adventures ahead for you all.
Getting to the stage of needing care for a loved one is difficult, lots of emotions. My Dad was Mum's main carer and due to his own health could no longer care for mum full-time. The manager at Dunniwood and her staff were nothing short of marvellous making us all feel comfortable and welcome. I have visited a few different care homes helping Dad choose one for Mum, and I feel the staff at Dunniwood went over and above. It really has made the whole process bearable. At Dunniwood they have lots of activities and day trips out, where families are encouraged to be involved. It really is 10 out of 10 score for Dunniwood. Well done to everyone involved.
Thank you for such a wonderful review. We're honoured to support your Mum and your wider family and thank you for choosing our Dunniwood Lodge community. We're here for you every step of the way.
My mother in law moved in recently and we couldn't be happier. We are flabbergasted by the change in mum! She's so alert and happy. She's sleeping in her bed every night - something her previous care home "couldn't" get her to do. Mum has dementia and Alzheimer's and we thought we had "lost" her as she barely recognised us and was confused most of the time. Within a few days, presumably because she's sleeping well, and being looked after by staff that have the time to regularly engage with her, she's so much brighter and much less confused. I could not recommend Dunniwood Lodge highly enough. The manager and care team are very professional, kind and caring. We as a family are extremely happy and relieved mum is happy and more importantly safe and very well cared for.
It has taken me a few months to write this review about my Aunty, she was our world and has affected me quite a bit since her passing. Where do I start about Dunniwood Lodge, my aunt had been here as a resident for 22 years, throughout her time here she became a well-known figure to the staff and other residents sometimes good sometimes not! However I could have not wished for a better place to call home for her, the staff did everything for her including meals, she could have what she wanted the cook was her favourite person, she always told me this. Last year she declined through ill health and several strokes but the management team ensured her every need was looked after. They showed care, compassion and empathy right up to her final hours. My final words to the manager and her staff is a massive thank you from the bottom of my heart, she is in my thoughts every day but in a better place. I would recommend Dunniwood to anyone wanting care for their family.
My mum was in Dunniwood Lodge Care Home for almost six years, to begin with her husband, my stepfather, was with her. She sadly died in May 2022 but the care from the staff throughout the last years of her life was exemplary, she was obviously loved by all the staff and management too. My brother and all of our family cannot speak highly enough of her care and support through this time. The home goes above and beyond, well done Dunniwood and thank you for all you did.
I have nothing but praise for the manager and her team at Dunniwood Lodge. My mother and father are both in the home and everyone has been excellent. The quality of care is fantastic along with nice surroundings and great food. This is a home that I would highly recommend without any hesitation. Well done!
Full care for our relative. Staff fully interested in her dementia problems. The staff could not have given more attention to her needs. Staff are also helpful to us when we called to see our relation.
My wife went to be cared for following a disastrous respite at another facility. What a difference, there is no comparison.
Whether it's respite or longer care you will not be disappointed.
Thank you all again.
Excellent care provided in a sensitive and respectful manner by all members of staff.
Mum who is in her mid-90s, frail and has serious memory problems has recently had 2 separate weeks of respite care at Dunniwood Lodge; and it has been very successful. I have found every member of staff I have met, whatever their role, professional, positive, caring and helpful. The systems that are in place to reduce Covid-19 infection are reassuring, appropriate and consistently applied. It has been such a positive experience, even though Mum's mood and engagement can be variable, as everyone has been supportive and understanding. We are planning for Mum to have regular stays at Dunniwood Lodge as such good relationships have been formed and I am sure Mum benefits from the different activities and interactions as well as a break for me.
This care home is wonderful. The staff members are kind and considerate. They are always happy and smiling, the management are easily accessible and very approachable. The home is family like and is a nice place to be in and visit. You here laughter from staff and residents all the time.
Dad came here for respite care while being assessed. Three weeks in he had an unwitnessed fall resulting in a broken hip and him needing a full hip replacement. Although the home initially were good at keeping in touch, once Dad went into hospital they never contact me to explain what had happened or to ask after Dad. When Dad was eventually discharged (three weeks later) he did not return to this home. I was very disappointed in the lack of communication from the home.
I was admitted to Dunniwood Lodge following a fall at home, just having been discharged from hospital. At the time, my relatives feared for my life. All I can say is the care and treatment I received was first-class. I put on weight (as I had lost four stone). My faculties came back and I am alive today because of the care from the staff.
We as a family are so grateful, we have found Dunniwood Lodge caring, thoughtful and helpful during one of the most difficult times in our lives. Seeking care to make sure that our loved one is cared for. Dunniwood Lodge are amazing, the staff are helpful, caring and kind. They meet the needs of our mum's care, whilst making sure each day is a happy one, filled with activities and entertainment. Thank you so much.
I would especially like to mention the manager, her team and the kitchen staff for service over and above.
When my Dad was admitted to Dunniwood, he was in a really bad way, both health and mental. One of the staff gave him a big cuddle as soon as he arrived. This gave my dad the strength to carry on, as he said on a few occasions that he had had enough. He stayed in for 14 weeks. He regained the weight he had lost and was back to his old self. We would like to thank all the staff for the excellent care and support given to him. He is now at home and is doing well.
After a very difficult few years, respite care was agreed for mum. After just a couple of weeks, mum couldn't praise the staff highly enough for their capacity to care and take time to listen to her. They truly go the extra mile to provide great food, support and entertainment. She is very happy and looks amazingly well. Thank you, everyone, her health is improving every day.
Best wishes
After seeing my uncle on video call it was such a pleasant surprise he looks better than he ever has. The staff are always really pleasant on the phone. I recently met the new manager who was so reassuring and helpful. My uncle looks so happy and healthy thank you.
Regulatory Rating
Care Quality Commission (CQC) Rating
Date: 14 May 2025Good
- CaringGood
- EffectiveGood
- ResponsiveGood
- SafeGood
- Well-ledGood
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)
There are no news items for Dunniwood Lodge.
There are no upcoming events for Dunniwood Lodge.
Awards / Recognitions (0)
There are currently no awards/recognitions posted yet for Dunniwood Lodge.
Accreditations
There are no accreditations posted yet for Dunniwood Lodge.
Meet the Team (2)

Before joining Dunniwood Lodge, I managed large dual nursing & residential care settings, as well as residential services, across Derby, South Yorkshire & North Lincolnshire.
Why I wanted to work in care - I have a genuine passion for caring, I genuinely care for the welfare of other people. Every person is unique, and I have always loved, moulding the care around the person. My passion has always been to improve the quality of care and everyday lifestyle for everyone in the home, to promote an independent lifestyle, and to learn new ways of doing so!
What's great about Dunniwood – We offer a home from home experience, with a lovely layout that allows people to socialise and also have privacy when they need it. The people who live at Dunniwood are unique and are very much involved in the care they receive; I love being part of and leading the team at Dunniwood.
Care Qualifications - NVQ level 5 Diploma award in Management of Residential and Nursing Care, NVQ’s in healthcare and team leadership, I’m also trained in Dementia and Cognitive Therapy and I’m a Dignity Champion.
My Vision - To always promote unique individual care, make meaningful new memories & enhance the quality of care delivered to every person within the home. I believe each individual is at the heart of what we do.

I started at Dunniwood Lodge at 19 and have been here ever since. I always knew I wanted to work with people and make people's lives better and working in the care sector allows me to do that. I started as a Night Care Assistant, have worked in various roles at Dunniwood, learning and developing my skills, and now support the team and home as Deputy Manager.
I love being here at Dunniwood it has a real homely feel, the people who live here, and the team that supports them make it a special place to be. Every day we support family and friendship and that’s what I’m proud of.I’m qualified with an NVQ 3 in Health & Social Care and an NVQ 3 Team Leader, a trained first aider, and qualified in movement and handling-Train the Trainer.
I believe that dignity and independence are central to what we do at Dunniwood and that people should be treated as individuals and be listened to and respected. Caring to me is about doing everything we can to make life a little easier, making people happy, and making sure they receive the highest quality of care.
Frequently Asked Questions about Dunniwood Lodge
What types of Care is Dunniwood Lodge registered for?
Older Person Care, Dementia, Mental Health Condition, Physical Disability, Eating Disorders are the registered (by the Care Quality Commission) categories of Care.
How many Rooms does Dunniwood Lodge have?
There are 41 Single Rooms.
What are the Facilities & Services at Dunniwood Lodge?
Smoking not permitted, Close to Local shops, Near Public Transport, Minibus or other transport, Lift, Wheelchair Access, Gardens, Residents Kitchenette, Phone Point in own room, Television point in own room, Residents Internet Access are some of the Facilities & Services.
How far is Dunniwood Lodge to the centre of Doncaster?
3.0 mile(s) as the crow flies, distance by road may be significantly further.
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