Bluebell House

126 Barkham Road, Wokingham RG41 2RP
Review Us
9.7 93 Reviews
  • Bluebell House, Wokingham
Support for later life.

Bluebell House is a recently refurbished period property, located within walking distance of Wokingham town centre, the railway station and local shops. The service offers support to older people living with dementia, and nursing care for people aged 65 and over who are living with long term health conditions.

The team of highly trained staff get to know residents individually and offer the highest standards of care and support. People’s preferences, needs and wishes are central to the support provided. The home works with residents and their loved ones to plan their care and support. The team maintain strong working relationships with local health and social care teams to ensure that care and support adjusts as people’s needs change.

People are supported to pursue meaningful activities and experiences while living at Bluebell House. A varied activity schedule provides lots of options for people to enjoy fulfilling days. The home has a dedicated activity coordinator, who plan enjoyable activities each week to keep people moving and entertained. Everyone is welcome to join in as much or as little as they like.
Show Bluebell House on the Map

Care Provided

Primary Care Categories

  • Older Person Care
  • Dementia
  • Physical Disability

Length of Stay

  • Permanent Care
  • Respite Care

Care Types Provided

  • Residential Care
  • Nursing Care
  • Dementia Residential Care
  • Dementia Nursing Care
  • For a maximum of 50 Service Users

Facilities

  • Near Public Transport
  • Lift
  • Wheelchair Access
  • Gardens
  • Television point in own room
  • Residents Internet Access

Funding & Fees

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

  • Ruth Sohail (Registered Manager)

Local Authority / Social Services

Admission Criteria

  • Full assessment and care plan prior to admission
  • Ages 65+

Care Home Design/Build

  • Purpose Built: Yes
  • Last Refurbishment: 2023
  • Number of floors: 2

Room Information

  • Single Rooms (50)
  • Couples/Companion Rooms (0)

Parking

  • Free parking on site

Bluebell House Reviews (93)

9.7

Bluebell House has a Review Score of 9.7 (9.721) out of 10, based on 17 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Bluebell House has 93 reviews.

Overall Experience
  • 56
  • 33
  • 4
  • 0
  • 0
Date Published
  • 93
  • 5
  • 13
  • 17
  • 76
Reviewer Connection to Bluebell House
  • 30
  • 11
  • 10
  • 8
  • 6
  • 5
  • 5
  • 3
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
  • 1
  • 1
  • 1
  • 1
  • 1
  • 1
  • 1
  • 1
  • 1
Total of 93, showing 21-40
Review from C G (Niece of Resident) published on 29 June 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Friendly welcome from staff, helpful and couldn't do enough to make your visit a pleasant experience. A very caring approach to residents, lovely homely atmosphere, wonderful staff and very thoughtful and kind.
  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Review from Elaine L (Friend of Resident) published on 29 June 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Welcomed at reception. Good feedback from staff. Obvious good care of resident.
  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Review from W T (Nephew of Resident) published on 15 June 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Lovely visit. Very helpful staff. Made to feel very welcome. Lunch was lovely. Plenty of offers of tea/coffee. Lovely day and we managed a little walk around the garden. Auntie enjoyed a little push around the garden.
  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Review from J S (Daughter of Resident) published on 15 June 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
All the staff at The Berkshire Care Home are extremely caring and helpful and nothing is too much trouble for them. I am extremely happy with all the care my mum received, she was loved by everyone. Mum enjoyed all the activities and being a part of it. Thank you so very, very much for looking after
my mum and making her final two years comfortable and happy and singing to her.
  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Review from V B (Daughter of Resident) published on 8 June 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The Berkshire Care Home team welcomed my mum and all of her family with kindness and compassion. It was such a hard time for us when Mum had her stroke. Their care and love for my mum made the last two years of her life very happy ones. We have lots of nice memories, can't thank you all enough. We will
never forget you all and your kindness and care.
  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Review from Barbara B (Wife of Resident) published on 20 April 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My husband is happy and well cared for here and I have peace of mind after caring for him myself for some years.
Reply from Harriet Sharland, Marketing Administrator at Bluebell House

Thank you, Barbara, for taking the time to leave a positive review! We are so pleased that you are happy with the quality of care your husband receives at The Berkshire Care Home. Have a lovely day.

  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Review from Georgina S (Daughter of Resident) published on 20 April 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The Berkshire Care Home is a handsome building set back from the road and surrounded by gardens. There is always a warm welcome. My father lived there for about eighteen months at the end of his life. Every member of staff called him by his name. Due to the nursing care he received, his medical conditions
improved and his health stabilised, despite his growing frailty. Not only did he receive a wonderful consistency of care but he was encouraged to participate in well-organised communal activities. He enjoyed his food until the end. A lovely birthday party for him confirms how special the staff are.
  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Review from Muriel B (Sister of Resident) published on 22 March 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We are really pleased with the way my brother is being looked after. Unlike all the previous places he had been, he seems bright and lively here. The staff are amazing and the management is really helpful.
  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Review from Peter W (Son of Resident) published on 22 March 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
As ever, the staff were friendly, approachable and most of all caring and expert in their fields.
  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Review from Peter M (Son of Resident) published on 19 January 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
In the short period of time that my mother has been at The Berkshire Care Home my family and I have been extremely impressed with all aspects of her care.
All of the staff are very attentive to her needs.
The manager and senior nursing staff are always very approachable and are always happy to discuss
any concerns that we may have.
The staff are all very friendly and polite and we are always made to feel very welcome at any time of day.
My mother has settled in well and is happy to accept that this is her new home.
We have no concerns about her well-being as we know she is in safe hands.
Reply from Katie Barnett, Marketing Executive at Bluebell House

Thank you, Peter, for your feedback and for taking the time to share your experience of our home. We are pleased to learn it has been so positive and that your mother has settled in well. We look forward to seeing you again soon. Take care.

  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Review from Eric R (Son of Resident) published on 5 January 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I know mum is being looked after.
I am informed if mum has any issues.
I am always made welcome when I visit.
  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Review from Mark A (Son of Resident) published on 28 November 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Since my mother moved into this home, I have found her care and needs have been met.
I find the staff very helpful and friendly.
My mother seems happy, so overall, I am happy for her to be here.
  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Review from Keith S (Mother-in-law of Resident) published on 26 October 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Things are much better now as we have new management,
The care staff are outstanding.
Services are good now with the current amount of residence.
  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Review from Susan S (Daughter of Resident) published on 20 October 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Big improvements have been made since the new manager has taken over. All the staff are very friendly and welcoming. Although if more residents are taken in, I would like to think more staff will also be arriving, as waiting for the toilet is sometimes too long.
Reply from Katie Barnett, Marketing Administrator at Bluebell House

Thank you, Susan, for your comments about The Berkshire Care Home. We appreciate you taking the time to give feedback and letting us know how we are doing. We have acknowledged the concerns you have, and the improvements you have suggested to better the home. If you would like to discuss any concerns directly, please reach out to us at the home. Thanks again.

  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Review from T K (Daughter of Resident) published on 22 August 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 3.0 out of 5
I do not feel that some carers have enough understanding about Dementia residents. They ask if my Mum wants to sit in a chair or stay in bed. Mum always says stay in bed, they should be encouraging her to get up. Last week my brother was with Mum at lunchtime, she had two chicken breasts which she was
unable to cut up, so had my brother not been there to help her she would only have managed roast potatoes.
Reply from Matthew Bowden, Home Manager at Bluebell House

Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. Since our last conversation, I have spoken with the team and they have been actively encouraging your mum to join the other residents in the lounge and we have seen a great improvement. In regards to her dining, our team works hard to ensure that our residents are safe and happy so we will take extra care in ensuring your mum's food is appropriately prepared. We also operate what we call 'Food Passports' so we can make a note of how she wishes for her food to be prepared. If you want to discuss any of these concerns with me in more detail, please feel free to come and see me on your next visit. I have an 'open door' policy and welcome any feedback you have. Best wishes, Matthew.

  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Review from G G (Son of Resident) published on 17 August 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
I was slightly concerned about the previous management team at The Berkshire, but there is a new manager in place now and the whole experience has improved, without a doubt. The carers and nurses can be seen doing a great job and carrying out their duties in a very professional and friendly manner.
My mother is very settled in The Berkshire and enjoys the friendliness of the staff, which helps her interact much more. The activities team work hard to keep the residents occupied at all times.
Reply from Katie Barnett, Marketing Executive at Bluebell House

Thank you for your feedback and for taking the time to share your experience of our home. We are so pleased to learn you feel the home has made improvements under Matthew's management. The care and well-being of every resident is our number one priority and it is rewarding to have such positive feedback about how we are doing.

  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Review from Sue G (Daughter-in-law of Resident) published on 17 August 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
The last eight months have been awful for The Berkshire. The staff had no permanent leadership or manager. This last month has seen a transformation in staff morale and proper leadership under the new manager, and long may that last. The staff are happy and focused, and I can now feel The Berkshire
has turned a corner for the best. Our family resident feels safe and happy in the circumstances and gets on well with all the staff. That is comforting to the family, as the transition to moving to a home is hard on all the family too.
Reply from Katie Barnett, Marketing Executive at Bluebell House

Thank you, Sue, for your feedback following your recent experience at our home. We are happy to learn it has been a positive one. We appreciate you taking the time to let us know how we are doing and that you recognise the great effort Matthew has gone to to make positive changes in the home. Have a wonderful day.

  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Review from F J (Granddaughter of Resident) published on 17 August 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Staff are always friendly and welcoming whenever I come to visit, nothing is too much trouble, and my nan is always singing their praises. It's always clean and tidy and a pleasant place to be. The events I have attended have been thoroughly enjoyable and well thought out. It's always lovely to see
such smiles on the residents' faces. Satisfying to know my nan is being taken such good care of.
Reply from Katie Barnett, Marketing Executive at Bluebell House

Thank you for your comments about your recent experience at The Berkshire Care Home. Our residents’ well-being is our main priority and it is great to hear that you were so pleased with the quality of our care. We always appreciate individuals taking the time to give their feedback and we are very pleased to hear that you had a positive experience. All of our staff are committed to providing the best possible care experience for all of our residents and it is very rewarding to have their efforts recognised.

  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Review from Jennifer J (Daughter of Resident) published on 29 July 2022 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My Mum has been a resident at The Berkshire for 2 years now. She has always received excellent care. The carers are so committed to ensuring that all the residents feel this is their home. There's always laughter and affection on tap for the residents. Everyone is treated as an individual with their
own individual needs considered at all times. Days out are always packed full of fun and laughter. My Mum took a while to adjust to living in care after living with the family for so many years. However, she now enjoys all The Berkshire has to offer. Including her fussy eating habits being catered for by their wonderful chef. Thank You all at The Berkshire.
  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Review from Simon M (Father of Resident) published on 6 May 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My daughter was a young resident at only 38, who was receiving palliative care. She absolutely loved living there. The daily activities she joined in were amazing, and she thoroughly enjoyed them. All residents were lovely.


The staff were amazing, every staff member was cheerful, welcoming and comforting.

You always greeted with a smile and warm welcome. Nothing is too much trouble.


The Berkshire Care Home is a special place filled with love, laughter and a lot of fun.


It's hard enough when someone you care for and love has to go into a care home; with The Berkshire Care Home it's an easy decision; we found the perfect home from home.

  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Current Review Score: 9.7 (9.721)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.7 (9.721) out of 10 for Bluebell House 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 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:

  1. 5 Points are available for the Average Rating from all Reviews in the last 24 months. The Average Rating of 4.721 for Bluebell House is calculated as follows: ( (155 Excellents x 5) + (37 Goods x 4) + (8 Satisfactorys x 3) + (1 Poors x 2) ) ÷ 201 Ratings = 4.721
  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 Bluebell House 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:

    1. 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
    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 50 registered maximum number of service users is 10, which has been reached with 16 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

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.

Loading

Loading Loading

Loading

Loading

Awards / Recognitions (0)

Meet the Team (1)

No image found

Matthew Bowden

Job Title: Home Manager Joined: 2022

What do you enjoy most about your role and the people you care for?


I love being in homes and getting to know the residents. I love to hear their stories and I love to hear about their lives and experiences. I enjoy trying to bring good quality care to people and making a home feel like a home and creating a family-type environment, which Berkshire already has that close feeling. I enjoy the fact that the staff care.


What are your favourite hobbies and pastimes?


My favourite hobbies are football, I am an avid Arsenal fan which goes to show that no one is perfect. My biggest passion is my family, my wife and my two beautiful daughters.


Are there any highlights in your career you are particularly proud of?


My biggest highlight and achievement is taking my previous home from inadequate to a good rating with CQC and getting a 32 bedded unit commissioned with CQC.


What is your work experience in care?


I started as a carer in a nursing home in Uxbridge, Hillingdon. I then proceeded to attain a team leader position in a residential home. As a team leader, I joined a support team where we went from home to home supporting were needed so in one home I would be writing local policies and in another, we helped in closing a home and transferring residents to a brand new build. I then become a Home Manager in a 75 bedded residential home for 6 years taking the home from a poor rating to the good before transferring to another home that required improvement with CQC and taking that home to good, I was in that position for 4 years. The last home I managed was rated poor with CQC and we attained a good rating and commissioned a 32 bedded nursing unit to take them home from 59 beds to 91, I worked there for 5 and a half years before coming to the Berkshire.


What top tips would you give someone who is looking for the right care home?


You will get a feeling when you visit a home for the first time. If it feels warm, welcoming and friendly and the staff say hello then this is a good first sign. Also to review all homes on the CQC website and look at the last inspection, however homes change over time and a home that is rated inadequate or requires improvement can change with the right team in place, so use this as a guideline rather than an exact guide.


What do you like most about working for the company?


The warm welcome that I have received so far as I am only 4 weeks into my employment. The staff group at the Berkshire have been very friendly and welcoming and has been very open to anything that I have suggested so far.

Information on this page is displayed without responsibility for its accuracy on the part of carehome.co.uk. Please contact Bluebell House to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Bluebell House has an Enhanced Service - more info.