Birch Hill Care Home

Norham, Berwick-upon-Tweed TD15 2JZ
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9.9 57 Reviews
  • Birch Hill Care Home, Berwick-upon-Tweed
Nestled in the Northumbrian Village of Norham, Birch Hill Care Home provides dementia care for 24 adults. Rated 'outstanding' by CQC in August 2019, the team's focus is ensuring all residents live well each day.

Living at Birch Hill is a change for the residents, but one which will provide a safe, caring, homely atmosphere to enjoy yet another chapter in life’s journey.

Birch Hill has a hand-picked team of dedicated care, catering and housekeeping teams who strive to ensure that each day is a day well lived, where joys and troubles can be shared.

The home's approach to dementia care not only involves support with physical needs but through excellent locally sourced food, personalised activity and wellness programmes that really can make a positive impact in the lives of the residents and families.

Services: hairdresser, optician, chiropodist, audiologist, district nurse team, GP practice, CMHT, OT & physio all visit Birch Hill as required.

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Care Provided

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
  • For a maximum of 24 Service Users

Dementia Care Types

  • Mild Dementia
  • Moderate Dementia
  • Advanced/Complex Dementia

Other Care Provided

  • Palliative / End of Life Care

Facilities

  • Own Furniture if required
  • Smoking not permitted
  • Close to Local shops
  • Near Public Transport
  • Minibus or other transport
  • Lift
  • Stairlift
  • Wheelchair Access
  • Gardens
  • Television point in own room
  • Residents Internet Access

Funding & Fees

Weekly Charges per Person

  • Self-Funded Residential Care: £1350 – £1450
  • Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care: £1350 – £1450
  • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Care: £1350 – £1450
  • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care: £1350 – £1450

Local authority accepted

These prices are only a guideline, please contact Birch Hill 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

Group/Owner

Person in charge

  • Jennifer Mackie (Care Centre Manager)

Local Authority / Social Services

Admission Criteria

  • Ages 65+

Care Home Design/Build

  • Purpose Built: No

Room Information

  • Single Rooms (20)
  • Couples/Companion Rooms (2)
  • Single Rooms with ensuite Wet Room (3)

Parking

  • Parking at front of house

Birch Hill Care Home Reviews (57)

Total of 57, showing 41-57
9.9

Birch Hill Care Home has a Review Score of 9.9 (9.911) out of 10, based on 28 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time Birch Hill Care Home has 57 reviews.

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Review from B L (Son of Resident) published on 24 September 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother is well looked after. She is given extremely good care. I would recommend Birch Hill to friends and family.

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Review from P B (Daughter of Resident) published on 4 September 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother has been a resident at Birch Hill for nearly 3 years and is very happily settled there. She smiles and eats and sleeps well. She is extremely well-cared-for. In the recent difficulties with the COVID Pandemic, the Birch Hill staff have done a remarkable job of caring for their residents (family)
and keeping them safe. I have absolute faith and confidence in the care my mother receives and would recommend Birch Hill to anyone needing a safe, caring community for a relative.

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Review from Craig F (Son of Resident) published on 1 September 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Friendly, clean, caring and welcoming. Building well maintained, nice gardens. The management and staff genuinely care for the residents' happiness and wellbeing. 10 out of 10.


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Review from Mike B (Husband of Resident) published on 27 August 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Whilst gravely ill with several forms of dementia, my wife’s last three years were extremely secure in the hands of the wonderful staff at Birch Hill. Whenever her daughters and I visited, usually unannounced, we found my wife happy, well dressed and comfortable in her environment. She was always
perfectly dressed, complete with her bling and the room thoroughly clean and tidy without it seeming to be institutional. Meals were great, I could have enjoyed the food myself! And we were always plied with great tea and cakes upon turning up. With its beautiful gardens, purpose-built vehicle for trips out and adequate lounge and leisure rooms I feel it virtually impossible to find a better residential home.
Best wishes and more power to the elbows of all of the staff.

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Review from L A (Daughter of Resident) published on 20 August 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

First and foremost, I want to say how kind, thoughtful and professional all of the staff are. With limited visiting starting again recently, I see first-hand how the care staff interact with our mum and feel very grateful to know she's in strong, capable hands. The management team are also great; always
on hand to check that mum is okay if we're concerned for any reason. After visiting Birth Hill for the first time, we were so impressed with everything that we saw, we decided instantly that this was the place! Although it's taken a while for her to adapt to her new surroundings, we know mum has made good friends and is very happy. Thanks to all.

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Review from K L (Son-in-law of Resident) published on 20 August 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

Superb team of dedicated, caring staff. Impressive understanding of the needs of my mother-in-law. Beautiful grounds and good food. Particularly impressed with their response to the current pandemic.

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Review from Amanda W (Daughter of Resident) published on 20 August 2020
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We are so glad that we found Birch Hill for mum. At every visit, we are made so welcome and mum we know is very happy here. She is full of smiles when one of the staff pop in during our visits. The staff have kept us up to date on all their protocol changes - and always phone to let me know of any changes
in mum's medicines or requirements. It is a beautiful home and the whole set up is excellent.

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Review from Veronica B (Daughter of Resident) published on 4 August 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother has been a resident at Birch Hill for almost 12 months. In this time she has been exceptionally well cared for. The staff/management took the initiative to exclude visitors and take the other necessary steps for the health protection of those in their care, well before any government or other
local authority regulations were issued. This has proved to be a boon; no ill-health, resulting from Covid-19, among either staff or residents. My mother celebrated her 100th birthday in July and she was most royally treated. This was most warmly appreciated both by my mother and me, since my own ill-health prevents me from travel. A Skype call had to suffice.
Highly commended.

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Review from Kay C (Power of Attorney of Resident) published on 28 July 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Prior to putting my friend's name on the waiting list, I was shown around the home. I was delighted to find the residents were happy and well cared for. The home was spotlessly clean. All members of staff answered my questions without hesitation. A home visit was carried out to access my friend's needs
and eligibility. Since she has become a resident, the admin assistant has been extremely kind and pleasant, as have all staff members who I have come into contact. I would not hesitate to recommend this home. During the very difficult time of the Covid-19 situation, all staff members have been exemplary, and I am very grateful for the care and attention my friend is receiving.

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Review from I T (Son of Resident) published on 27 July 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My parent has been a resident for over a year now; I can't fault any aspect of the care or the staff.
The location is very peaceful with ample grounds during the warmer months.
They've managed to adapt to shielding residents as best anyone can, and have tried to ensure families are kept up to date
and offered remote access via Skype.
The staff are friendly, welcoming and caring.
I'd have no hesitation in recommending this setting for anyone.

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Review from Alice M (Daughter of Resident) published on 24 June 2020
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

It is always a though trusting anyone else to look after precious family members. We were lucky enough to find a room for Mum at Birch Hill and have never regretted our decision. There is a great atmosphere and the whole team go above and beyond to make the place a real home not just a residence.
I
hope there is a space for me if my time comes!

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Review from David C (Husband of Resident) published on 24 April 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

No complaints.
Very satisfied.

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Review from H T (Granddaughter of Resident) published on 17 April 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I have always found Birch Hill a very welcoming and professional environment. Nevertheless, occasionally I feel that the stimulation of residents is lacking. There is a TV room where I feel that the residents are placed and (not neglected) but left unattended for long periods of time. Some music, art,
drama, themed afternoons or book readings could be done. The silence can very isolating for some residents. But, as stated before, Birch Hill has always retained very high care standards.

Reply from Nicola Hall, Care Centre Manager at Birch Hill Care Home

Thank you for taking the time to provide us with feedback. We are in the process of reviewing our resident engagement time and are working hard to ensure that our residents are meaningfully engaged and enjoy our activity programmes.

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Review from Julia A (Daughter of Resident) published on 16 March 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I feel very lucky to have found Birch Hill care centre for both my parents.
They are together and safe which means the world to me.
The respect, care and kindness the staff show to my mum and dad is exemplary.
The management team are very strong and have good relationships with my parents and with
me.
I am always greeted with a smile and the atmosphere is one of calm at whatever time of day you arrive.
Visitors are offered tea and coffee, biscuits and cake, just like in your own home.
It's great.

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Review from Shanelle S (Granddaughter of Resident) published on 12 March 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I was very impressed to see both of my grandparents settled into Birch Hill. They both seemed happy and relaxed with both the staff and the other residents.
There were staff around to help with any requests and refreshments were always offered to all visitors and residents. I was pleased with my visit
overall and my mind was put at ease that my family are in good capable hands.

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Review from Margaret O (Friend of Resident) published on 31 January 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I went to visit a friend. I was made very welcome as soon as the front door was opened. I was offered tea, coffee and homemade cake. The tray was very well set out. All the staff were very friendly and happy. The home had a very nice aroma. The residents looked very well looked after. 10/10

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Review from Barbara S (Wife of Resident) published on 12 January 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

If ever my time comes I hope there is a bedroom for me overlooking the well kept and beautiful gardens.

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Current Review Score: 9.9 (9.911)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.9 (9.911) out of 10 for Birch Hill Care Home is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 4.9 out of 5 from 28 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 28 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 4.911 for Birch Hill Care Home is calculated as follows: ( (300 Excellents x 5) + (25 Goods x 4) + (2 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 327 Ratings = 4.911

  • 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 Birch Hill Care Home is based on 28 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 24 registered maximum number of service users is 4.8, which has been reached with 28 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

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

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Awards / Recognitions (1)

Meet the Team (1)

Jennifer

Jennifer Mackie

Job Title: Care Home Manager

Joined: 2018

I have been with BEN - Birch Hill since October 2018. I took over as manager in February 2022 when the previous manager went to manage one of our other homes.


I am very proud of the staff at Birch Hill. They put the residents' needs at the forefront of everything they do. The care they deliver is outstanding and always centred around the resident's needs.


It is a home-from-home.

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