Barchester Appletree Grange Care Home

Durham Road, Birtley, Chester le Street DH3 2BH
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9.7 72 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: £1182 – £1350

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 (General 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 (72)

9.7

Barchester Appletree Grange Care Home has a Review Score of 9.7 (9.676) out of 10, based on 22 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Barchester Appletree Grange Care Home has 72 reviews.

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Reviewer Connection to Barchester Appletree Grange Care Home
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Total of 72, showing 61-72
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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Review from Sue L (Daughter of Resident) published on 22 November 2016 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Barchester Appletree Grange Care Home staff have been my mother's guardian angels. I am unable to nominate an employee of the month of this outstanding team as each and every member of staff has shown our dear Mam respect and treated her with the utmost dignity. More importantly given her the best person-centered
loving care and we appreciate their understanding of our Mam's wonderful personality and sense of humour. We feel relieved and forever thankful that she has been in the safe and capable hands of the management and staff at Barchester Appletree Grange Care Home. Afterall, Mam is our most treasured and loved member of the family and deserves nothing but the best and this she has received with thanks.
Reply from Elizabeth Brown, General Manager at Barchester Appletree Grange Care HomeThank you to all the family for their kind words, mum was a pleasure to care for and all the staff will always have fond memories of her wonderful smile and the support of the family.
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Review from L S (Daughter of Resident) published on 8 January 2016 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Since my mother has resided at Appletree Grange she has been cared for extremely well with respect and dignity. The staff have as very caring approach and make family and friends feel very welcome. The management have been great helping with any questions and advice.
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Review from Jean S (Daughter of Resident) published on 24 August 2015 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Well kept very clean home. Staff always willing to talk about residents, plenty of activities to keep minds working. My father has improved loads since coming to Appletree. If he had stayed at the previous home I don't think he would still be with us. Love the open days, raffles and tombola's. The atmosphere
is relaxed, homely feel about the place with nice nick nacks like a proper home not a care home.
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Review from Florence D (Partner of Resident) published on 13 August 2015 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
I find Appletree Grange to be a home loving atmosphere, staff are lovely with the residents, if I have any concerns they are easy to talk to and give me peace of mind, they have summer fairs, which are quite good, we have sing-alongs which get the residents involved and which they enjoy. All in all
I am quite happy with the care there.
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Review from Ann S (Sister of Resident) published on 7 August 2015 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I am always kept informed of my sisters health, how she has been and what she has been doing.
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Review from Rose L (Daughter of Resident) published on 7 August 2015 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I have been very pleased with the excellent care my mother receives at Applegate Grange. The staff are very professional but also warm and affectionate with the residents. The home is always clean and smells fresh and welcoming. Visitors are very welcome and are offered a cup of tea or coffee to share
with their loved ones. This means so much to my mother as it was something we always did together. Any health problems have been picked up quickly and acted upon. There is a regular hairdresser, podiatrist, dentist and of course health professionals in attendance. I have complete peace of mind knowing my mother is in Applegate Grange.
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Review from Frank B (Son of Resident) published on 5 August 2015 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Visited the home on the 30 of July 2015, spent most of the morning with mother the day being her 97th birthday. The home had a very pleasant atmosphere with good clean surroundings. I found the menu for the day good wholesome food, mum appeared to be very happy at Appletree Grange which makes me contented
that she's in good hands.
Reply from Elizabeth Brown, General Manager at Barchester Appletree Grange Care HomeThank you very much for the wonderful review, myself and the staff really appreciate some positive feedback.
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Current Review Score: 9.7 (9.676)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.7 (9.676) 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 22 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 22 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 4.676 for Barchester Appletree Grange Care Home is calculated as follows: ( (183 Excellents x 5) + (59 Goods x 4) + (10 Satisfactorys x 3) + (1 Poors x 2) ) ÷ 253 Ratings = 4.676
  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 5 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Barchester Appletree Grange Care Home is based on 22 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 + 0.025 + 0.025 + 0.025 = 4
    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 22 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 (9)

Naomi

Naomi Chukwudochie

Job Title: General Manager Joined: 2022

My name is Naomi, and I am 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.

Emma

Emma Upshall

Job Title: Home Administrator Joined: 2025

Hi, my name is Emma, and I am the Home Administrator here at Appletree Grange!


I have a strong background in adult social care, and after over 10 years in the sector, I am committed to delivering compassionate, person-centred care that upholds the dignity and independence of every individual. I have worked in various care settings, from small residential homes to large-scale facilities, with a particular focus on supporting friends, relatives and friends

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 are 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.

Marian

Marian Chinez

Job Title: Senior Care Assistant Joined: 2023

My name is Marian Chinez, and it is with great pride to inform you that I work as a senior care staff member at Appletree Grange. I have my NVQ Level 3, and it has been an incredibly rewarding experience. As a senior care staff member, I love being part of a team that provides compassionate, regulated, and person-centred support to our residents.


Every smile, every laugh, and every shared moment make this role special. We create joy and meaning in our home.

Krzysztof

Krzysztof Ostrzyzek

Job Title: Senior Care Staff Joined: 2005

My name is Krzysztof Ostrzyzek, and I started my journey with Appletree Grange in 2005 as a care worker and then progressed to the role of a senior care staff member. I have a wealth of experience (20 years), and my Level 3 Diploma has equipped me better in my role. I am passionate about supporting residents in a safe, regulated, and nurturing environment.


I take pride in working with colleagues to deliver person-centred care that enriches residents’ lives.

Amy

Amy Hind

Job Title: Activities Coordinator Joined: 2026

Hi, I am Amy, and I bring a wealth of experience in organising engaging and meaningful activities, and I am passionate about ensuring our residents’ life enrichment is truly person-centred. Her enthusiasm and commitment will play a key role in enhancing the well-being and happiness of our residents

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. I 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.

Prisca

Prisca Nkwocha

Job Title: Care Assistant Joined: 2024

I’m Prisca Nkwocha, and I began working at Appletree Grange in 2024. I quickly discovered how fulfilling it is to provide care that improves the lives of residents. I follow all care standards and management policies to ensure safety, dignity, and respect for every individual.


Being part of the team here fills me with joy because I see firsthand the positive impact of companionship, music, and love on residents’ lives.

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