Barchester Appletree Grange Care Home

Durham Road, Birtley, Chester le Street DH3 2BH
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9.7 64 Reviews
  • Barchester Appletree Grange Care Home, Chester le Street
Appletree Grange is located between Newcastle and Durham, in the historic town of Chester-le-Street. The facility provides exceptional residential care and also provides first-class person-centred dementia care in a Memory Lane Community.

A team of highly-qualified and attentive staff really focuses on the individual needs of residents with a tailored care plan for each person. The activities programme is also crafted to meet the interests and hobbies of all residents.

Along with accommodation for dementia and Alzheimer’s sufferers, Appletree Grange also welcomes individuals in need of temporary respite care or long-term residential care.

Care Provided

Primary Care Categories

  • Older Person Care
  • Dementia

Length of Stay

  • Permanent Care
  • Respite Care

Care Types Provided

  • Residential Care
  • Dementia Residential Care
  • For a maximum of 32 Service Users

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

Facilities

  • Own Furniture if required
  • Pet Friendly (or by arrangement)
  • Close to Local shops
  • Near Public Transport
  • Minibus or other transport
  • Lift
  • Wheelchair Access
  • Gardens
  • Television point in own room
  • Residents Internet Access

Funding & Fees

Weekly Charges per Person

  • Self-Funded Residential Care: from £1116

This Weekly Fee rate is an indication only of a typical standard fee rate for a resident living in a standard, comfortable room. A final Weekly Fee rate will be confirmed once we have carried out a pre-admission needs assessment.

These prices are only a guideline, please contact Barchester Appletree Grange Care Home to find out the exact price for your requirements.

Funding Types Accepted

  • Self Funding (Private)
  • Local Authority with Top Up
  • Local Authority
  • NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC)

Good to Know

Person in charge

  • Ben Patterson (General Manager)

Local Authority / Social Services

Admission Criteria

  • Ages 55+

Care Home Design/Build

  • Purpose Built: Yes
  • Last Refurbishment: 2003
  • Number of floors: 2

Room Information

  • Single Rooms (32)

Barchester Appletree Grange Care Home Reviews (64)

Total of 64, showing 21-40
9.7

Barchester Appletree Grange Care Home has a Review Score of 9.7 (9.656) out of 10, based on 16 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Barchester Appletree Grange Care Home has 64 reviews.

Overall Experience

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Always a pleasure to visit Mum in the home. She is always allowed to choose her clothes, what she wants to do and her carers. The manager is always happy to answer any questions and is always reassuring in all my questions. Always feels comfortable coming to talk.

Reply from Jane Longstaff, Divisional Sales and Marketing Manager ' North at Barchester Appletree Grange Care Home

Thank you for your review. We value all feedback as this helps us to improve our service where required. Thank you also for your positive comments regarding our home and team, who work hard to deliver high standards of quality care at all times. I will pass on your feedback to the team.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Our mum has been at Appletree for 2 years in February and has been very well cared for and happy. The staff are all wonderful and do a fantastic job and are very hard working, but I feel there is a need for more staff to refill permanent jobs of people who have left of late, hopefully, it will improve
very soon! Activities have been non-existent of late but things are on the up with wonderful new activities lady with good ideas, doing a fab job. The home could do with a total refurb inside and out, hope it happens very soon, spending some money would make a huge difference.

Reply from Jane Longstaff, Divisional Sales and Marketing Manager ' North at Barchester Appletree Grange Care Home

Thank you for taking the time to write a review for Appletree Grange and for your very kind words about our staff. It is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team and to the quality standard that we expect within every Barchester home, your feedback will be shared with all our team members. I am sorry to hear you feel our home décor and facilities are not up to standard. Barchester have been investing in a major refurbishment programme since 2015 which goes into established homes and works with the home staff and residents to create wonderful redesigns and updates to ensure our homes reflect the high standard of service we provide. I appreciate your feedback and will certainly look at areas we can improve the environment going forward.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

With regret, I have had to place my aunt in a care home but it became necessary for her increasing needs and safety. Appletree Grange is close by and was recommended by a friend. I have had experience with other care homes and can say that Appletree Grange is the best because of the care I see given
to all residents, the staff are amazing. I have been into smarter homes but it is all about how hard staff try to make residents' lives as comfortable as possible. I would recommend this care home to others.

Reply from Jane Longstaff, Divisional Sales and Marketing Manager ' North at Barchester Appletree Grange Care Home

Thank you for your review. We value all feedback as this helps us to improve our service where required. Thank you also for your positive comments regarding our home and team, who work hard to deliver high standards of quality care at all times. I will pass on your feedback to the team.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Generally happy with the care she has been given and she has never complained about anything I live near the home and visit often.
One issue is the lack of parking facilities and we have to often park at the nearby garden centre.

Reply from Jane Longstaff, Divisional Sales and Marketing Manager ' North at Barchester Appletree Grange Care Home

Thank you for your review. We value all feedback as this helps us to improve our service where required. Thank you also for your positive comments regarding our home and team, who work hard to deliver high standards of quality care at all times. I will pass on your feedback to the team.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

The manager/deputy are a credit to your company. Excellent staff, attentive, caring, efficient and knowledgable. The rooms are shabby and require painting badly. Bedspreads are worn and dated, the furniture is old, drawers stiff, wardrobe doors stick, cabinets chipped. Tv's no signal and no remotes.
The place is let down by the communal area, chairs have seen better days and need better covers on. Table for coffees needs to be more stable. The home itself is ready for an upgrade to reflect the staff and their dedication and excellent service they provide.

Reply from Jane Selkirk, Divisional Sales & Marketing Manager at Barchester Appletree Grange Care Home

Thank you for taking the time to write a review for Appletree Grange and for your very kind words about our staff. It is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team and to the quality standard that we expect within every Barchester home, your feedback will be shared with all our team members. I am sorry to hear you feel our home décor and facilities are not up to standard. Barchester have been investing in a major refurbishment programme since 2015 which goes into established homes and works with the home staff and residents to create wonderful redesigns and updates to ensure our homes reflect the high standard of service we provide. I appreciate your feedback and will certainly look at areas we can improve the environment going forward.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

After a tough start, the resident has settled down really well. The resident wouldn't have gotten the excellent medical attention that has been received here. Seems happy with meals.

Reply from Jane Selkirk, Divisional Sales & Marketing Manager at Barchester Appletree Grange Care Home

Thank you for your review. We value all feedback as this helps us to improve our service where required. Thank you also for your positive comments regarding our home and team, who work hard to deliver high standards of quality care at all times. I will pass on your feedback to the team.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Staff are very friendly and kind and offer much support and care to residents. Rooms are tidy and well kept - very cosy. Management is outstanding and made it very easy to communicate with family members and is very compassionate. All meals are given to residents at a very high standard with different
options. Would highly recommend the home.

Reply from Jane Selkirk, Divisional Sales & Marketing Manager at Barchester Appletree Grange Care Home

Thank you for your review. We value all feedback as this helps us to improve our service where required. Thank you also for your positive comments regarding our home and team, who work hard to deliver high standards of quality care at all times. I will pass on your feedback to the team.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The care Mam has received has been superb. Especially during the whole pandemic. The staff are kind, loving and caring and always treat Mam with the utmost respect. The manager has gone above and beyond with her help and support, which has been so comforting to my family in Australia. I know Mam is
in the best hands possible, and I am very grateful to all the staff who make this possible.

Reply from Jane Selkirk, Divisional Sales & Marketing Manager at Barchester Appletree Grange Care Home

Thank you for your review. We value all feedback as this helps us to improve our service where required. Thank you also for your positive comments regarding our home and team, who work hard to deliver high standards of quality care at all times. I will pass on your feedback to the team.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I am so glad I was able to get my husband into Appletree Grange. It satisfied all of my needs for him and everyone is friendly.

Reply from Jane Selkirk, Divisional Sales & Marketing Manager at Barchester Appletree Grange Care Home

Thank you for your review, we value all feedback as this helps us to improve our service where required. Thank you also for your positive comments regarding our home and team who work hard to deliver high standards of quality care at all times. I will pass on your feedback to the team.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Although we got off to a shaky start when mum entered the home about 18 months ago, I guess mainly around mum leaving her much loved family home and all of us getting used to new people and a new regime in our lives. To see her now settled and comfortable and cared for is a testimony to the staff here.
From the new manager, administration and carers a huge thank you from the bottom of my heart. You have and are making a difference. Keep doing what you are doing, you're fab!

Reply from Jane Selkirk, Divisional Sales & Marketing Manager at Barchester Appletree Grange Care Home

Thank you for your review, we value all feedback as this helps us to improve our service where required. Thank you also for your positive comments regarding our home and team who work hard to deliver high standards of quality care at all times. I will pass on your feedback to the team.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Lovely friendly staff. A pleasure to visit and absolutely nipping clean.

Reply from Jane Selkirk, Divisional Sales & Marketing Manager at Barchester Appletree Grange Care Home

Thank you for your review, we value all feedback as this helps us to improve our service where required. Thank you also for your positive comments regarding our home and team who work hard to deliver high standards of quality care at all times. I will pass on your feedback to the team.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother has been in Barchester Appletree Grange for eighteen months and after initially not settling down has settled in really well, taking part in activities and enjoying the entertainment up until Covid restricted admission to the home. I have no problem recommending Appletree Grange and their
staff.

Reply from Jane Selkirk, Divisional Sales & Marketing Manager at Barchester Appletree Grange Care Home

Thank you for your review, we value all feedback as this helps us to improve our service where required. Thank you also for your positive comments regarding our home and team who work hard to deliver high standards of quality care at all times. I will pass on your feedback to the team.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

The outside and entrance area of Appletree Grange is let down so badly it belies the wonderful standard of care inside the home. Visiting relatives every 2 weeks we are inevitably faced firstly with a skip which may be empty, filling or overflowing but seems to be always there. The planters at the front
doors are uncared for and empty of nice plants or flowers, better not to be there at all. To the right, there is a bunker the wooden gates in an awful condition which does little to disguise the large bins outside, in fact, all the fencing is in need of a good repair and facelift. To get to see our relatives we had to squeeze through between more huge bins into the garden area which is frankly disgraceful, plastic and rubbish in corners under shrubs, wonky stepping stones to get across the grass (6sq ft), dilapidated garden furniture stacked up, a raised bed made of rotting sleepers filled mostly with weeds and faded plastic novelties degenerating on the back fence. This is the outlook residents have from their conservatory and it is utterly depressing. A rethink and action desperately needed soon.

Reply from Jane Selkirk, Divisional Sales & Marketing Manager at Barchester Appletree Grange Care Home

Thank you for your review, we value all feedback as this helps us to improve our service where required. I will pass on your feedback to the team.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My aunt and uncle are both extremely elderly and frail and their move to Appletree Grange has proved successful in many ways. They have actually made friends and have acquired a healthy appetite!!!
They also find the staff friendly and very caring, which to them is so important.

Reply from Jane Selkirk, Divisional Sales & Marketing Manager at Barchester Appletree Grange Care Home

Thank you for your review, we value all feedback as this helps us to improve our service where required. Thank you also for your positive comments regarding our home and team who work hard to deliver high standards of quality care at all times. I will pass on your feedback to the team.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My family and I are grateful to all the staff at Appletree Grange, they are wonderful and caring people. The manager is first-rate, both in the way she encourages her staff and the way in which she engages with the residents' relatives, an especially important task since the outbreak of the COVID-19
pandemic. Also, special thanks to the activities organiser. My Aunt is very fond of her and says that she goes above and beyond her duties. It was my aunt's decision to move into residential care, she chose Appletree Grange and we are so glad she did.

Reply from Jane Selkirk, Divisional Sales & Marketing Manager at Barchester Appletree Grange Care Home

Thank you for your review and we are delighted to hear how your Aunt enjoys our life enrichment programme. We value all feedback as this helps us to improve our service where required. Thank you also for your positive comments regarding our home and team who work hard to deliver high standards of quality care at all times. I will pass on your feedback to the team.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My husband is a resident as he has mixed dementia and is unable to be cared for at home. Being cared for at Appletree Grange is the next best thing to be looked after at home. There is a lovely 'family' atmosphere, the staff are as concerned about the family of the residents as they are about their
patients. I am regularly invited to share a meal with my husband.

Reply from Jane Selkirk, Divisional Sales & Marketing Manager at Barchester Appletree Grange Care Home

Thank you for your review, we value all feedback as this helps us to improve our service where required. Thank you also for your positive comments regarding our home and team who work hard to deliver high standards of quality care at all times. I will pass on your feedback to the team.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

After viewing several homes in the area we knew as soon as we walked through the doors of Appletree Grange that this was perfect for Gran's new home. We were welcomed by extremely friendly and professional staff and were made to feel at home. All staff went out of their way to answer our questions and
they asked Gran if she wanted to join in with the activity session, which was Bingo.
The home was spotless and had a lovely fresh smell, which is something many homes lack. Gran settled in well and loves her new home. The manager went out of her way to make Gran comfortable and took time out of her busy day to sit and chat with us for a while. Perfect choice and I would highly recommend.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My dad was a resident at Appletree Grange, Birtley for just over two years. During this time my husband and I both felt that he was cared for in the best way possible. The Home is spotless with no smell at all. He was treated as an individual and staff and management could not have been more supportive
to my husband and me throughout this time. The range of activities and entertainment was excellent and stimulating. My dad loved to join in the singing and represented the Home in the Gateshead dementia choir and sang at The Sage. The food was freshly prepared with plenty of choice. When we were told he needed nursing care and that Appletree Grange could no longer meet his needs, we were all saddened that he needed to move on. Management were extremely helpful in assisting with this transition. I would not hesitate in recommending Appletree Grange to family and friends.

Reply from Sharon Stewart, General Manager at Barchester Appletree Grange Care Home

Thank you so much for your kind words.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Mam has been in care since January 2018. Appletree has a welcoming, caring atmosphere - managers door always open and available to discuss anything - positive or negative.
Mam always clean and tidy and most importantly happy.
Staff friendly, helpful and caring. Couldn't have asked for a better place
for Mam.

Reply from Sharon Stewart, General Manager at Barchester Appletree Grange Care Home

Thank You for your lovely review it is most appreciated.

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Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My Mum went to Appletree Grange for respite care and stayed there almost 4 weeks over the Christmas and New Year period. Our family were very happy with the care she received, in particular, that any requests we made were speedily dealt with. Mum enjoyed the food, there were a large number of activities
on offer and the Carers were very cheerful, positive and good at their jobs. We visited frequently and were confident that medication was given on time and that she was well looked after.

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Current Review Score: 9.7 (9.656)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.7 (9.656) out of 10 for Barchester Appletree Grange Care Home is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 4.7 out of 5 from 16 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 16 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:

  • a) 5 Points are available for the Average Rating from all Reviews in the last 24 months.

    The Average Rating of 4.656 for Barchester Appletree Grange Care Home is calculated as follows: ( (129 Excellents x 5) + (46 Goods x 4) + (7 Satisfactorys x 3) + (1 Poors x 2) ) ÷ 183 Ratings = 4.656

  • b) 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 5 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Barchester Appletree Grange Care Home is based on 16 positive Reviews in the last 24 months and is calculated as per below:

    The 5 points available are broken down as follows:

    • i) 4 points are available for the first 10 Positive Reviews in the last 24 months; 3 points for the first Positive Review, and then 0.125 Points for each of the next four Positive Reviews and then 0.1 Points for the next five Positive Reviews. (1st = 3.000, 2nd = 0.125, 3rd = 0.125, 4th = 0.125, 5th = 0.125, 6th = 0.100, 7th = 0.100, 8th = 0.100, 9th = 0.100, 10th = 0.100) 3 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 = 4

    • ii) 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 32 registered maximum number of service users is 6.4, which has been reached with 16 Positive reviews. Points = 1

  • When a Review is submitted by someone who has previously submitted a Review, only the latest Review will count towards the Review Score.

  • 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: 6 Apr 2022

Overall
Good

  • Caring

    Good
  • Effective

    Good
  • Responsive

    Good
  • Safe

    Good
  • Well-led

    Requires improvement

Care Quality Commission is responsible for the registration and inspection of social care services in England.

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Bed Vacancies

Please Contact Us for Latest Vacancies

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Awards / Recognitions (12)

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Meet the Team (4)

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Ben Patterson

Job Title: General Manager

Joined: 2022

Hi, my name is Ben and I am the General Manager here at Appletree Grange. Welcome to our website!


I have worked for Barchester since 2022, bringing my experience and dedication to my role. Through my experiences, I have developed a deep understanding of both the operational and clinical aspects of care services. I began my career at Barchester as a Deputy Manager at our sister home North Park, where I honed my skills in person centred care, team leadership and compliance management. I was then seconded into my role as Implementation Lead for our new e-Care Platform, I was responsible for driving the adoption of the new social care model across our 250 homes and hospitals, and I have a wealth of experience in change management because of this role.

David

David Scott

Job Title: Head Chef

Hi, my name is David and I am the Head Chef here at Appletree Grange. I bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to the home and have worked in the hospitality sector since I was 17 years old. I have previously cooked in hotels, restaurants, and in the army. Cooking is a passion of mine and I love seeing our lovely residents enjoying their meals. Here at Appletree Grange, we provide a wonderful choice of delicious and wholesome dishes. The food and the dining experience at Appletree Grange is recognised as an integral part of the lifestyle here at the home and I am responsible for managing the catering team, ensuring they provide a quality catering service to all our residents, guests and visitors.

Leigh

Leigh Cameron

Job Title: Carer

Joined: 2022

Hi, I’m Leigh, I joined Appletree in September 2022 as a Care Assistant and I enjoy getting to know our residents, it’s a lovely environment for them and I love working here and hope to be here for many years to come. I love working as part of a team in delivering quality care and lifestyle for our residents - it feels like an extended family.

James

James Evans

Job Title: Kitchen Assistant

Joined: 2014

Hi, my name is James and I am a Kitchen Assistant at Appletree Grange and joined the home in 2014. I love my job and spending happy times with our residents and staff.


Appletree Grange is a very happy home and there is lots of laughter. This makes it a pleasure to come to work.

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