






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.
Dunniwood Lodge is a very pleasant place to enter. Always welcoming and go far and beyond with their care to the residents. Well equipped, very clean, and well run. The manager is on the ball with everything, which makes the home being run 100% efficient, especially during the COVID virus. All staff goes out of their way to make sure every one of the residents gets the same fantastic treatment. Plenty of daily entertainment and our sister/sister in law is well and truly happy there. Would recommend 100% to anyone.
They have also continued to run Covid-safe entertainment for the residents which has been good for all residents whether dementia sufferers, like Dad, or not.
Mother suffers from Parkinson's Disease and is prone to falling quite a lot, but staff have been very good tending to all her needs. During lockdown they have been very good at keeping us informed with Zoom meetings.
In all the time that my father has been a resident at Dunniwood he has received excellent care from all the staff. Although he does not communicate very well now his face always lights up when the carers are with him. Thank you, everyone, for doing such a brilliant job.
Mum has been at Dunniwood Lodge for about a year and says that we were very lucky to find a place like this for her. We agree with her. She is very well cared for and has improved in health and well-being since arriving. The staff know Mum really well and treat her with respect and kindness. Mum loves the range of activities, which have continued apace since COVID has restricted visits. The activities are many and varied. Mum particularly loves the singing, dominoes and bingo and of course having her hair done weekly. Recently on a visit, I saw staff organising a chocolate fountain - great idea! This home is really well led by the home manager, who knows our mum personally and has worked incredibly hard with her staff to keep our relatives safe and happy over this difficult time. I would recommend Dunniwood to other families. A member of staff said to us when Mum arrived “ We don’t consider your mum as a resident coming to live in our workplace. We look at it as our privilege to work in your mum’s home”.
Your dedication to your work helps remove that guilt and we know that we have put the care of our loved ones in the best possible hands.
We are currently living in extraordinary times, which must put you under enormous pressure, if I have learnt one thing over the last two years, it is that the Dunniwood family will carry out their duties as if it was just an everyday occurrence.
When my mother became a resident of Dunniwood Lodge 3 years ago, our family hoped that Mum would feel safe, secure and happy in her new ‘home’. We hoped that she would be cared for not only with competence and efficiency, but especially with kindness and gentleness and that her wishes and dignity would be respected wherever possible. We have not been disappointed. The manager has set a fine example for all staff in their provision of care, with professionalism and concern, particularly during the recent Covid 19 outbreak. I have been most impressed by the standard of care given by the manager and her staff despite the many challenges which the outbreak has presented. She has made decisions that have ensured not only the resident’s physical safety, but also their emotional health and quality of life. She has kept the residents’ families informed at every step of the way, encouraging open discussions and feedback.
Our Dad has been at Dunniwood Lodge since September 2019 and we were immediately impressed by everything and everyone at this wonderful "home from home". Our satisfaction and gratitude have increased, especially through the recent dreadful weeks of Covid-19. As a result of the very positive and prompt action taken by the Manager, Dunniwood Lodge has remained safe and secure and we know that Dad is well and happy. We call in regularly with letters and photographs, home-made cakes and treats and the staff keep us updated on what is happening. The Manager organises events such as drive-throughs, which are brilliant, and private distanced visits, as well as regular Zoom meetings, newsletters and updates, so we are always "in the picture". Everyone at the home really cares for the residents and we cannot thank them all enough. It is a wonderful place, a true oasis in the desert, and we are so lucky to have found Dunniwood Lodge to take care of our Dad.
Having been coming to Dunniwood Lodge for respite breaks now for 3 years I can definitely say that it's my second home and somewhere I love to come to, the staff in all roles are superb and there is a fantastic team attitude present throughout which makes for a fun atmosphere with laughter always heard in the building. The care afforded me and respect for my needs is second to none and I'd highly recommend Dunniwood to anyone wishing to stay permanently or on respite. 10 out of 10 for me.
I have been extremely happy with the care I have received. I have found the staff to be professional, very kind and attentive - nothing is too much trouble.
I considered a number of residential homes and it was clear that Dunniwood offered the best range and quality of care for Mum. Mum has settled well and benefits from the range of services she can manage with her condition. Mum's room is excellent and provides everything she requires to a very good standard.
The staff of every discipline are caring, attentive and display excellent comradery both with the residents and between themselves. The manager is top class and provides excellent leadership.
I am so pleased Mum is living at Dunniwood where she is lovingly cared for and treated with the utmost dignity.
Her mobility and her mental function have significantly improved since she has been at the home and she has struck up some very close friendships. When one issue arose linked to my mother's relationship with one resident, I was hugely impressed with the speed, pragmatism and kindness with which the team dealt with the situation. I will not go into detail here, but at all times the team's care and concern for all parties was clear and an entirely sensible way forward was found without distress to anyone.
An excellent result.
My father has been in Dunniwood Lodge for only a couple of months but right from the start, it felt like home. The en-suite room has everything he needs and is very clean and comfortable. There are planned activities for residents to keep them occupied and residents are actively encouraged to go outside in the beautiful gardens where possible and not be just stuck in their rooms. The staff here are first class, in particular, the home's manager. Right from the start she explained everything to me in detail and went over and above to make sure he felt safe and happy in his new home. The care and attention to every resident by the staff is second to none and they treat my father like he is one of their own family members. Always very polite, understanding and willing to just sit down and listen to what he has to say. Nothing is too much trouble. Thank you Dunniwood Lodge, first-class service, A+
My husband found all staff to be very helpful and caring, each one to go the extra mile. He enjoyed his stay there and would willingly return for a respite break. Staff have a brilliant rapport with each other and with respite clients and residents.
My relative has been very well cared for now for over two years. I find the staff/management very helpful and understanding of my relatives needs. The care home, in my opinion, goes above the needs of the residents and nothing is too much trouble. They also provide a lot of activities for the residents needs on a daily basis. The care home is always very welcoming and kept very clean. I would not hesitate to recommend this home to anyone.
Our mum was only at Dunniwood Lodge a few months before she died. Although the staff did not know her well she was always treated with the utmost respect and kindness from all those caring for her. During the last few days of her life they did everything possible to ensure she was as comfortable as she could be, whilst also supporting ourselves through such a difficult time. Nothing was too much trouble and for this we are very grateful.
A very warm and friendly home nothing is too much trouble and everything is done for the residents. Their care is their priority.
While my Mother has been a resident of this care home she has been cared for with love and respect from the staff and management, they have put some fun and joy back into her life, even as her health has declined. The care staff work very hard to maintain high standards even when staffing levels are low due to illness etc. The rooms are compact and comfortable and well decorated, cosy and practical. There have been some issues with the lift and heating but they have been attended to as quickly as possible. Overall we are very happy with the care home and the care provided by all the staff.
My father has been a resident at Dunniwood Lodge for a couple of weeks now. We knew that it was going to be a big step for him and were quite anxious for him when he decided to take that step. The staff have been really good and extremely supportive through this difficult time. The Manager has been excellent in dealing with some unexpected issues, providing helpful advice and generally going that extra mile when things did not quite go to plan. It is early days but we have been very impressed with this facility, the service and the professionalism that has been provided so far. I shall post a further, more detailed review when he has been there long enough to make a more comprehensive assessment.
My mother was very well looked after for three years in Dunniwood Lodge. The carers are excellent and she was always treated with kindness. There were several occasions when staff shortages put them under pressure. Although hard for them it never showed when caring for the residents. The food was very good and well presented. The Auxilliary staff also took a personal interest in the residents and took time to chat with them.
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.
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