Barchester Appletree Grange Care Home

Durham Road, Birtley, Chester le Street DH3 2BH
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9.7 67 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.
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Care Provided by Barchester Appletree Grange Care Home

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 What's included?

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.

Contact Barchester Appletree Grange Care Home 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)

Contact Barchester Appletree Grange Care Home to confirm what's included and get a personalised quote:

Good to Know

Group/Owner

Person in Charge

  • Naomi Chukwudochie (Deputy Home Manager)

Local Authority / Social Services

Admission Information

  • Mixed (no single-gender units)
  • 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 (67)

9.7

Barchester Appletree Grange Care Home has a Review Score of 9.7 (9.666) out of 10, based on 17 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Barchester Appletree Grange Care Home has 67 reviews.

Overall Experience
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Reviewer Connection to Barchester Appletree Grange Care Home
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Total of 67, showing 41-60
Review from Pat M (Daughter of Resident) published on 2 July 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
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 HomeThank you so much for your kind words.
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Review from Andrea R (Daughter of Resident) published on 13 June 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
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 HomeThank You for your lovely review it is most appreciated.
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Review from Catherine (Daughter of Resident) published on 23 January 2019 Submitted via Website • Report
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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Review from Paul M (Brother of Resident) published on 10 May 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Satisfied all round. If possible I would like to speak to my sister's carer when I visit so I can replace any toiletries she has used. My sister can't speak for herself.


Parking can be a problem too.

Reply from Elizabeth Brown, Manager at Barchester Appletree Grange Care HomeThank for your review, it is much appreciated.
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Review from Sue R (Daughter of Resident) published on 9 May 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mother has been a resident of this care home for three years now, her Alzheimers has progressed greatly during this time. Since moving into Appletree Grange Care Home my mother has been happy and very well cared for. The staff are friendly and courteous and treat my mother with dignity and respect.
The home is always spotlessly clean and the food is always cooked and presented very well. I would have no hesitation in recommending this care home to anyone.
Reply from Elizabeth Brown, Manager at Barchester Appletree Grange Care HomeThank you for your review. I will ensure the staff are made aware of your kind words.
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Review from T G (Son of Resident) published on 1 May 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The care which my mother has and continues to receive at Appletree can only be described as first class. The staff and management who work at the home are fully committed to the care of the residents in a holistic manner. The level of contact with the home is also excellent with thorough reviews and
individual meetings regarding a person's care needs
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Review from Matthew M (Husband of Resident) published on 1 May 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I visit my wife daily at Appletree. The excellent standards are consistent and all of the staff are very pleasant and make me feel very welcome.


I know my wife is in a very good and caring home. She feels safe and wanted and has friends which also includes all the staff. Appletree takes care of

my wife and I have no concerns.
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Review from Christine T (Daughter of Resident) published on 29 March 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
When I walked into Appletree Grange having visited lots of other homes, I knew this was the right place for my mother. The staff are all very friendly, welcoming and very caring and kind.
My mother and all the residents are treated with respect.
The food is lovely and there's always plenty of activities
and regular entertainment. I know I made a great choice.
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Review from Margaret S (Wife of Resident) published on 20 November 2017 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I am well pleased with the care my husband receives. He is happy here and we have no problems at all. The food is excellent and well presented at all times. The home is well run and is always very well presented. The management provides an excellent service and keeps you well informed of anything you
need to know of.


I think Appletree Grange is a very well thought of residential care home.

Reply from Elizabeth Brown, General Manager at Barchester Appletree Grange Care HomeThank you for the review, it is much appreciated.
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Review from David L (Son of Resident) published on 7 September 2017 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
After the first few weeks, my Mam has settled in very well and is very happy at this home. She has lots of activities and trips out and joins in with all of the activities.
Reply from Elizabeth Brown, General Manager at Barchester Appletree Grange Care HomeThank you the staff will appreciate your comments.
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Review from Valerie R (Daughter of Resident) published on 24 August 2017 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Mam is very well looked after. My sister and I have no worries about Mam. She is always very well, if there are any problems I am informed directly.
Reply from elizabeth brown, general manager at Barchester Appletree Grange Care HomeThank you for your kind words and comments it is always nice for the staff to be praised for there hard word
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Review from Doreen W (Daughter of Resident) published on 20 June 2017 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Appletree is a delightful care home where my mother has settled very well, but this home would really go upmarket if they had a conservatory so families could sit with residents.
Reply from Elizabeth Brown, General Manager at Barchester Appletree Grange Care HomeThank you for your lovely comments, it is much appreciated.
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Review from Susan D (Daughter of Resident) published on 5 June 2017 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Appletree Grange could really use a conservatory built. It would be ideal for residents to sit in, on a lovely day and to watch things in the garden. It would also be good for any events they have planned. Appletree is a very caring and well-kept home, my mum loves it there.
Reply from Elizabeth Brown, General Manager at Barchester Appletree Grange Care HomeThanks for your caring words. It is much appreciated.
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Review from K S (Nephew of Resident) published on 25 May 2017 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My experience of Appletree Grange is most pleasing and positive in every respect. The care my aunt receives is of an excellent standard. Her individual needs are well catered for with great care, respect and understanding by all the staff. I wouldn't hesitate in recommending Appletree Grange to anyone
else.
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Review from Liz C (Daughter of Resident) published on 28 March 2017 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Mum has advanced stage Vascular Dementia and was friendly it increasingly difficult to lead an independent life. She was depressed and withdrawn. Since she entered Appletree Grange she has a renewed zest for life and is happy and content.
The staff are caring and efficient. They treat each resident
with respect and have a genuine liking for them. My sisters and I were worried about how mum would react to her new life - our worries were needless, thanks to the care of the care home staff and management. Have recommended Barchester Appletree Grange Care Home to friends of ours.
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Review from Ruth B (Daughter of Resident) published on 13 March 2017 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Speaking on behalf of my mother, as Mam has dementia and Alzheimer's, Mam seems very happy, clean, groomed. She likes her outings and loves watching telly and going over to the Community Hall to have a bit of a dance. I would only love it if she could recognise me but she can't, well she is still here.
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Review from Sonia W (Wife of Resident) published on 9 March 2017 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I am very happy with Barchester Appletree Grange Care Home. All the resident are well fed and cared for, the place is always very clean and there is a lady who calls bingo and does a lot of other activities as well as entertainers coming to the house. There is a TV in the lounge with plenty of DVD's.
There is also a cassette to play music. People who cannot feed themselves are fed by the staff each meal and all the carers make everyone welcome when you visit the home. It's a home from home.
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Review from Ray J (Daughter of Resident) published on 8 March 2017 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The home has been the best thing that has happened to my mother in recent years.
She is safe, well cared for, and has lots of company. She engages in the activities and is happy to join in whatever is going on.
We were worried as a family about placing my mother in care but those fears and worries
have totally disappeared.
I cannot praise the home and all the people who work in it enough.
The standards are exceptional.
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Review from David B (Son of Resident) published on 21 December 2016 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Appletree is a small friendly care home, where all the residents are treated with dignity and respect. During the day the residence socialise/relax in one communal living area, where they can interact with their fellow residents and carers. From my experience, visiting my mother on a regular basis,
I've noticed the staff are of the highest standard and they genuinely care for the residents, which gives me peace of mind knowing my mam is being given the best care possible.
Reply from Elizabeth Brown, General manager at Barchester Appletree Grange Care HomeThank you, David for your lovely comments I have passed this over to all the staff and it is much appreciated.
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Review from Christine A (Daughter of Resident) published on 7 December 2016 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
The staff in the home are very friendly, caring and obliging. Bedrooms seem rather small, no room for any additional furniture i.e another chair for visitors. The furniture in the bedroom is quite old.
Daytime area (lounge) is tight for space both for residents and visitors. Narrow corridors make it
difficult to give residents walking exercise.
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Current Review Score: 9.7 (9.666)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.7 (9.666) out of 10 for Barchester Appletree Grange Care Home is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  1. The Average Rating is 4.7 out of 5 from 17 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 4.9 out of 5 from 17 positive Reviews in the last 24 months.

Detailed Breakdown of Review Score

The maximum Review Score for a Care Home is 10, which is made up from the Average Rating of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) and the Number of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) in the last 24 months:

  1. 5 Points are available for the Average Rating from all Reviews in the last 24 months. The Average Rating of 4.741 for Barchester Appletree Grange Care Home is calculated as follows: ( (149 Excellents x 5) + (38 Goods x 4) + (6 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 193 Ratings = 4.741
  2. 5 Points are available for the number of Positive Reviews in the last 24 months. A Positive Review is defined as any Review with an 'Overall Experience' of '4' or '5' (out of a max rating '5'). The 4.925 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Barchester Appletree Grange Care Home is based on 17 positive Reviews in the last 24 months and is calculated as per below:

    The 5 points available are broken down as follows:

    1. 4 points are available for the first 20 Positive Reviews in the last 24 months; 3 points for the first Positive Review, 0.125 Points for each of the next four Positive Reviews, 0.05 Points for the next five Positive Reviews, and finally 0.025 Points for the next ten Positive Reviews. (1st = 3.000, 2nd = 0.125, 3rd = 0.125, 4th = 0.125, 5th = 0.125, 6th = 0.050, 7th = 0.050, 8th = 0.050, 9th = 0.050, 10th = 0.050, 11th = 0.025, 12th = 0.025, 13th = 0.025, 14th = 0.025, 15th = 0.025, 16th = 0.025, 17th = 0.025, 18th = 0.025, 19th = 0.025, 20th = 0.025) 3 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.05 + 0.05 + 0.05 + 0.05 + 0.05 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 = 3.925
    2. 1 point is available for the number of Positive Reviews reaching 20% of the registered maximum number of service users in the last 24 months. If this number is partially reached, then that proportion of 1 point is given. eg a Care Home registered for a maximum of 50 service users has to reach 10 Positive Reviews to receive 1 point, if it has 7 reviews it will receive 0.7 points. 20% of the 32 registered maximum number of service users is 6.4, which has been reached with 17 Positive reviews. Points = 1
  3. When a Review is submitted by someone who has previously submitted a Review, only the latest Review will count towards the Review Score.
  4. If a Care Home does not have a review in the last 24 months, then it will not have a Review Score.

Regulatory Rating

Care Quality Commission (CQC) Rating

Date: 17 Jul 2025

Overall Good

  • Caring Outstanding
  • Effective Good
  • Responsive Good
  • Safe Good
  • Well-led Good
Care Quality Commission is responsible for the registration and inspection of social care services in England. View Latest Report

Bed Vacancies

Please contact us for latest vacancies.

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Awards / Recognitions (12)

Meet the Team (4)

Naomi

Naomi Chukwudochie

Job Title: Acting General Manager Joined: 2022

My name is Naomi, and I am acting General Manager, formerly Deputy Manager at Appletree Grange. With extensive experience in leadership and management, I bring a strong background in both operational oversight and compassionate care delivery.


Originally trained in Information Technology, I hold a Master’s degree, a Level 3 Diploma in Nursing, a Level 4 Certificate in Leadership and Management, and a Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management. My IT background has significantly enhanced my effectiveness in the care sector, particularly with the implementation and utilisation of the Enable digital platform at Appletree Grange, which supports real-time, person-centred care delivery and clinical documentation.


My role as acting Manager is not just a professional position—it is a passion that gives me immense joy and fulfilment. Every day, I am motivated by the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of our residents, ensuring their dignity, comfort, and well-being remain at the heart of everything we do at Appletree Grange.

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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