Bluebell House

126 Barkham Road, Wokingham RG41 2RP
Review Us
9.7 97 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 by Bluebell House

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 What's included?

Contact Bluebell House 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 Bluebell House to confirm what's included and get a personalised quote:

Good to Know

Group/Owner

Person in Charge

  • Ruth Sohail (Registered Manager)

Local Authority / Social Services

Admission Information

  • 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 (97)

9.7

Bluebell House has a Review Score of 9.7 (9.746) out of 10, based on 21 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Bluebell House has 97 reviews.

Overall Experience
  • 60
  • 33
  • 4
  • 0
  • 0
Date Published
  • 97
  • 4
  • 13
  • 21
  • 76
Reviewer Connection to Bluebell House
  • 30
  • 11
  • 10
  • 8
  • 8
  • 6
  • 5
  • 3
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
  • 1
  • 1
  • 1
  • 1
  • 1
  • 1
  • 1
  • 1
  • 1
  • 1
Total of 97, showing 41-60
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 HouseThank 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 HouseThank 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
Review from Paul J (Nephew of Resident) published on 5 May 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
My aunt has been a resident at The Berkshire for just over two years. Before entering the care home, she was living alone and fiercely independent despite her failing health. It was difficult for her to move into a care home setting, but management and staff at The Berkshire made this transition as
smooth as it could have been. Although my aunt remains an independent personality, she now feels settled and happy. She always makes special mention of the good quality (and variety) of the food, and the brilliant work of the activities coordinator in arranging engaging and varied activities for the residents.


This has been a difficult year because of the Covid pandemic, which has meant long periods without visits to my aunt. She has found this difficult and demoralising. However, I have been impressed with the regular communications from The Berkshire setting out the steps they are taking on infection control and opening up the home to visitors in a safe environment.

  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Review from David M (Husband of Resident) published on 22 April 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My wife has now been in your care for 21months and has always told me she feels content, happy and safe. Whenever we visit, the genuine warmth and attentiveness of the staff ensure it is just like visiting extended family. In the normal times before Covid, being able to organise lunch in-house for long-distance
relatives or friends was so convenient and cemented a glowing lasting impression on them all. In the roller coaster of the more recent Covid era, the positivity within the frequent updates via parent group or The Berkshire always reassured us by conveying the message of calmness and control. The latest constrained visiting arrangements may read as daunting, but the welcoming approach of your staff on-site make it so simple and seamless.
  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Review from C E (Wife of Resident) published on 2 September 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Overall things are good and have been through this difficult period. Sometimes a little more care in certain areas would make things easier.
  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Review from K B (Wife of Resident) published on 30 June 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My husband was very well cared for. The staff at all levels were wonderful. Not only did they care respectfully for my husband, but they also supported me as well.
  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Review from Maureen H (Sister of Resident) published on 31 March 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The care that my brother is receiving in the home is outstanding. They tend to his every need day and night. All the staff are very good to him and nothing is too much trouble. I am very happy with his care at the home, from a fine dedicated staff. 100% to all.
  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Review from S B (Nephew of Resident) published on 24 March 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I reviewed several care homes before this one, but can say, with out a doubt, I am 100% satisfied. The staff are so helpful and understanding to my uncle's needs, they go above and beyond as far as I've seen. It's hard to put a family member into care, but any worries I had soon went. Would highly recommend
this home as it is 'Home from Home' (my uncle's words)!.
  • 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 26 February 2020 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
This is a beautiful care home with attentive staff/carers and we couldn't have wished for a better home for Dad to spend the last few months of his life. He enjoyed his time here and took part in the activities every day. We were always made welcome and enjoyed a lovely Christmas day celebration that
we will fondly remember.
  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Review from J B (Regular Volunteer) published on 29 November 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My wife and I attended the firework evening and we were most impressed by the attentiveness of the staff towards the residents, nothing was too much trouble and everyone was very caring. The food was very well prepared and presented. I also came here from time to time to give the residents a quiz and
the overall impression is that the residents are very happy, comfortable, well-fed and always treated with dignity by the staff.
  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Review from K K (Wife of Resident) published on 20 November 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We had a very warm welcome on arrival. The staff were very friendly and helpful. The rooms were cosy and warm and the food excellent.
  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Review from M W (Daughter of Resident) published on 20 November 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
My father moved in 3 weeks ago and seems to have settled in ok, although it was a little difficult at first as he came from another retirement home and had to get used to different staff and a different atmosphere. He gets on well with the staff.
  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Review from D H (Daughter of Resident) published on 20 November 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
All staff, carers, nurses and doctors very welcoming and reassuring. Mum has been made very comfortable in lovely surroundings. She has been treated with care and respect at all times.
  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Review from A M (Daughter of Resident) published on 30 October 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I have nothing but praise for The Berkshire Care Home. My mother was treated with patience, empathy, compassion and very professionally. The social activities are brilliant and residents are encouraged to join a very varied programme. The nursing and care staff are very kind and treated my mother with
dignity. From the moment I came into the home, I was made to feel very welcome.
  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Review from K R (Daughter of Resident) published on 18 October 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
The staff in The Berkshire Care Home work very hard to make the residents feel at home. They welcome and encourage visitors to get involved. Recently, I went to a Harvest lunch where the tables were beautifully presented and the food very tasty. The daily "Magic Moment" activities are varied. The residents
are encouraged to join in with Scrabble, physical exercises, singing and flower arranging. The garden is an attractive outdoor space also.
  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Review from Pat A (Daughter of Resident) published on 20 August 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
The food and facilities are excellent with a lovely garden. The nursing and care staff are kind, considerate and always very caring. The entertainment and companionship are very good with always something to do. Equally, the rooms are pleasant if residents wish for their own space. A real home from
home.
  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Review from Pauline B (Friend of Resident) published on 19 August 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
This was my second visit to the home. On both occasions, I have been struck by the friendliness and helpfulness of the staff.
I took my niece's dog and she was fussed over by all. From a visitors perspective, this looks like a lovely place to be, should you have to go into a care home.
  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Review from Emma R (Daughter-in-law of Resident) published on 23 May 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The Berkshire Care Home staff are unfailingly polite, cheerful, helpful, friendly, patient and kind. The home is beautifully decorated in bright colours and is clean. There are trips to shopping centres, as well as activities daily. My mother in law has settled in and is now happy and engaged in life
there.
Reply from Tessa Matthews, Marketing at Bluebell HouseIt can take a little while to settle in, so it is good to hear that your mother in law is engaged with life at the home. The Magic Moments Club activity programme offers such a range of fun and different activities, all tailored to the residents in the home. Some are specially devised for older people such as our sporting and exercise activities. We are also keen to encourage getting out into the fresh air and excursions out into the community and local attractions.
Thank you for your feedback. It will be shared with the team.
  • Facilities
  • Care / Support
  • Cleanliness
  • Treated with Dignity
  • Food & Drink
  • Staff
  • Activities
  • Management
  • Safety / Security
  • Rooms
  • Value for Money
Current Review Score: 9.7 (9.746)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.7 (9.746) 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 21 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 20 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 4.746 for Bluebell House is calculated as follows: ( (195 Excellents x 5) + (44 Goods x 4) + (8 Satisfactorys x 3) + (1 Poors x 2) ) ÷ 248 Ratings = 4.746
  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 20 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 50 registered maximum number of service users is 10, which has been reached with 20 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.