






Ashlea Lodge Care Home in Sunderland provides residential care, respite care and specialist dementia care in a comfortable, homely setting.
Part of Orchard Healthcare Group, the home offers cosy en-suite bedrooms, inviting lounges and secure gardens. Its Reconnect dementia community delivers personalised, person-centred care for people living with dementia, focused on promoting independence and wellbeing. The Reconnect dementia community is ideal for people living with all types of dementia, including Alzheimer’s...
Care Provided by Ashlea Lodge Care Home
Primary Care Categories
- Older Person Care
- Dementia
- Physical Disability
- Visual / Hearing Impairment
Length of Stay
- Permanent Care
- Respite Care
Care Types Provided
- Residential Care
- Dementia Residential Care
- Dementia Nursing Care
- For a maximum of 38 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
- Convalescent Care
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
- Residents Kitchenette
- Phone Point in own room
- Television point in own room
- Residents Internet Access
Funding & Fees
Contact Ashlea Lodge 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)
Good to Know
Group / Owner
- Orchard Healthcare Group
- Private Owned
Person in charge
- Gillian Varley (Manager)
Local Authority / Social Services
Admission Information
- Ages 60+
Care Home Design/Build
- Purpose Built: Yes
- Year Purpose Built: -1
- Last Refurbishment: 2019
- Number of floors: 2
Room Information
- Single Rooms (38)
Visiting
- Visitors welcome anytime.
Parking
- Free on-site parking.
Ashlea Lodge Care Home Reviews (70)
Ashlea Lodge Care Home has a Review Score of 9.8 (9.849) out of 10, based on 29 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Ashlea Lodge Care Home has 70 reviews.
We couldn’t be happier with Ashlea Lodge Care Home. My nana is so well cared for and doesn’t have a worry in the world. All of the staff are genuinely caring, talented and patient. All meals are home cooked and nutritious. A supportive and caring environment where your contribution as a former carer is genuinely appreciated. When we first enrolled my nana the staff asked all the right questions about her preferences, past life and wishes to provide truly customised care. Choosing to put your relative in a home is very difficult but without a doubt this was the right decision for us.
Thanks you for your kind review. We aim to make all our people as comfortable as possible and we appreciate it is a very difficult decision to have your loved ones looked after by someone else. We consider our people a part of the Ashlea Lodge family.
My father has now been at Ashlea Lodge for five years and is 87. He entered following the death of my mother in 2016. My mother's care of him for approx 65 years had meant he was very used to having his own way in everything. The early days were difficult, but we now have a man who has adjusted and is accommodated to some degree, but, is safe, settled, and since covid, happy as I can now take him out.
My 87-year-old dad was struggling with living in sheltered accommodation spending too many hours on his own. I'd been his carer for 11 months and all the stress was starting to take its toll. From the 1st point of contact visit, the staff have been amazing. My dad went from 'I'm not going into a care home' to saying 'OK I'd like that'. They went to great lengths to help my dad understand why he needed the extra care. He's been there almost 2 weeks and the staff are amazing. He says the staff are brilliant and he is being well looked after. He loves the food, clears his plate, and has already put on a bit of weight. It was a difficult decision to move him but certainly, one that has turned out really well. My health has improved as I'm not stressed and worried all the time. Staff keep me updated and deal very professionally with any minor issues. Cannot thank the staff more, they really are amazing to both my dad and me.
Brenden, thank you very much for your lovely words. We are very pleased to hear that your dad has settled in at Ashlea Lodge as we are always aiming to provide a high standard of care to both families and residents. Kind regards.
I have finally found a placement for my precious dad where staff have the skills, passion, and most importantly the high expectations from the two managers/clinical leads. Those ladies are outstanding and it is what makes the provision such a success. It is evident through observation and discussion that staff are skilled and they really care, not forgetting the fantastic domestic who is wonderful. I am provided with daily, purposeful information by the lead and they involve me. I am thankful to have found Reconnect, a hidden gem.
Thank you very much for your kind words, we are delighted to hear that you are pleased with our care. I will be sure to pass your lovely comments onto the team. Kind regards.
I found the staff very helpful and very knowledgeable. My sister has shown improvement in the short time she has been in Ashlea Lodge compared to the last care home she was in.
Thank you for your lovely review. We appreciate all of the feedback we receive and are delighted to hear you that are pleased with the level of care we offer. Kind regards.
The reintroduction of visiting to people in care homes has been a huge challenge to facilitate. The staff at Ashlea Lodge have however done a tremendous job ensuring it’s is done safely and seamlessly. Despite those challenges, visits are a pleasure. The staff are amazing and always welcoming. Their interaction and knowledge of residents' needs are as always, excellent. We are very content with the knowledge that our loved ones are in safe hands.
Thank you for your kind words. It is a pleasure looking after your sister and I will be sure to share your lovely comments with the whole team. Kind Regards, Gillian Varley.
Excellent.
Thank you for taking the time out to leave a review for our home. Kind Regards, Gillian Varley.
Only seen my Mam behind plastic, but had a good visit. I love this home. The staff are great. The care and support are excellent. The food and activities are great. I would recommend this home to everyone. Keep up the good work girls.
Thank you very much for your kind review, we are delighted to hear that you rate our home so highly. I will be sure to pass your words onto the staff. Kind regards, Gillian Varley.
Over the moon with the care, dignity and respect my Dad has had since moving to Ashlea Lodge. The staff on the Reconnect Unit especially have gone above and beyond. Activities and distraction techniques have given my Dad a much more meaningful day/routine which in turn has hugely improved his quality of life. Keep up the good work!
Kate, thank you very much for your words. It is fantastic to know that you are pleased with the care we are providing to your father. We try to do all we can to ensure residents are happy, satisfied and comfortable so to hear that your father's quality of life has improved whilst being at the home is incredible. Kind regards.
Mum was placed into Ashlea Lodge on Wednesday 2nd December 2020 after being found wandering in the early hours. Ashlea has proven to be a godsend. The staff are fantastic and genuinely care. Mum looks so well and cared for, especially given the trying time we are currently in. I cannot recommend Ashlea Lodge enough. You can rest knowing your loved ones have dignity and are treated with respect.
Thank you so much for your lovely words, Louise. It is an honour to look after your mother and I am pleased to hear that you are happy with the care we are providing. I will pass your kind words onto the team. Kind regards.
Ashlea Lodge always feels welcoming. The staff are friendly and caring. My mum was settled and happy from the beginning of her stay. The food always looks appetising, the rooms are nice and clean. Residents are looked after according to their individual needs. They have plenty of activities. During the pandemic, the staff and the manager have done an amazing job. They have kept the residents safe and happy and kept us in touch via Facebook. I am very happy with the care they provide.
Thank you very much for your kind comments, I will be sure to pass your messages onto the team. I am very pleased that you are happy with the care we provide here at Ashlea Lodge. We aim to treat all residents as individuals and provide them with person-centered care. Kind Regards, Gillian Varley.
Had to wait for a place to get my brother into this care home. He had to go to another care home following a stay in hospital. Was not happy with the care he received at the previous care home. The care he received at Ashlea Lodge was excellent. All the staff were very good with my brother and I cannot fault the care he received.
Kind regards, Gillian Varley, Home Manager
My mother loves the carers in Ashlea Lodge. She thinks they are all specially chosen to look after her. We couldn't ask for a more caring environment for her to live in.
Many thanks for taking the time to leave a review for Ashlea Lodge, your positive feedback is greatly appreciated and I will most certainly pass your comments on to the team. As a team, we strive to provide the best care possible for our residents and I am very pleased to hear that your mother...
My mother was always well taken care of at Ashlea Lodge and was happy.
Ashlea Lodge is a clean, happy and welcoming environment for residents and their families. Individual preferences of residents are considered and their care provided accordingly. Staff and management are always available to answer queries. My mother in law enjoys the food.
Thank you for your lovely review of our home. Myself and the team work tirelessly to provide the best, person-centred care that we can. When you are next in the home, please feel free to come and have a chat with me, my door is always open. I would love to discuss ways that we can improve the activities in our home.
Kind Regards,Care Home Manager
I go to the home every day, to see my wife and I think she is getting well cared for. It is very clean and someone goes round all the time keeping it clean. The carers are very good for what I have seen and it is an experience just to listen to the people talking to one another. I spent a good afternoon every day at the home.
Thank you for your kind words, it is wonderful to hear that you feel that your wife is getting the care that she needs and that everything is to a high standard of cleanliness. Our staff work tirelessly to ensure that everyone receives the best care that they can, so thank you.
I noticed that...
The food was excellent. It was his second visit. He will definitely return again.
Many thanks for leaving such a lovely review. We’re delighted to hear that our staff were helpful and caring and that the food meets your standards. We look forward to caring for your father again in the future. Kind regards, Gillian Varley
All staff are always extremely friendly and caring. 10/10.
Many thanks for leaving a review of our home. I’m delighted with the feedback and that our staff treat your father with kindness, dignity and respect and that the standard of care meets your expectations. Kind Regards, Gillian Varley, Care Home Manager.
I was in Ashela Lodge for two weeks after suffering a heart attack, I was well looked after and treated with respect at all times.
Many thanks for leaving such a lovely review. I’m delighted to hear that the care you received met your expectations and that the staff were welcoming and respectful. Kind regards, Gillian Varley, Care Home Manager
I find Ashlea Lodge is a lovely place. My mum is very well looked after. The staff are very caring and very friendly it's a fun care home. They are always there when you need them. I would recommend the home to family and friends.
Many thanks for taking the time to leave a review for Ashlea Lodge, your positive feedback is greatly appreciated and I will most certainly pass your comments on to the team. As a team, we strive to provide the best care possible for our residents and I am pleased to hear that you feel that your...
Regulatory Rating
Care Quality Commission (CQC) Rating
Date: 08 September 2023Good
- 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 (2) & Events (0)
- 19 Mar 2025
Ashlea Lodge Care Home in Sunderland is full of successful women, and given that it’s Women’s History Month we thought it a perfect time to share resident Sylvia’s fascinating story!...
- 28 Feb 2025
We're thrilled to announce that Orchard Care Homes has been selected as a finalist in not one, but two prestigious categories at the HealthInvestor Awards! As finalists in ‘Specialist Care...
There are no upcoming events for Ashlea Lodge Care Home.
Awards / Recognitions (5)
- 31 Jan 2025Recipient: Ashlea Lodge Care Home
- 15 Jun 2024Recipient: Orchard Healthcare Group
- 31 Jan 2024Recipient: Ashlea Lodge Care Home
Accreditations
There are no accreditations posted yet for Ashlea Lodge Care Home.
Meet the Team (1)

My name is Gillian Varley, and I am the Home Manager here at Ashlea Lodge Care Home in Sunderland, I have been the Manager of this Home since November 2016.
Information on this page is displayed without responsibility for its accuracy on the part of carehome.co.uk. Please contact Ashlea Lodge Care Home to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Ashlea Lodge Care Home has an Enhanced Service -more info.