Barchester Austen House Care Home

Kilnsea Drive, Lower Earley, Reading RG6 3UJ
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9.7 124 Reviews
  • Barchester Austen House Care Home, Reading
Austen House is a purpose-built Nursing Home in Reading, set in a semi-rural location and within easy reach of Wokingham and London. The staff at Austen House are dedicated to meeting all residents’ needs.

Austen House boasts an established, well run Nursing Floor with dedicated, experienced nurses 24 hours a day.

Austen House’s specialised Memory Lane Community (for people living with dementia) was refurbished in Summer 24. The team have also been awarded certificates by the Alzheimer's Society for passing a course that helped with enhancing their understanding of dementia. It involves improved insight into dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, and learning that feelings matter most.

Austen House welcomes enquiries from anyone and is pleased to show everyone – whether they're looking for advice or support – around if they would like to drop in to investigate for themselves.

Please get in touch and they would be thrilled to assist you with your enquiry.
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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
  • Nursing Care
  • Dementia Residential Care
  • Dementia Nursing Care
  • For a maximum of 79 Service Users

Dementia Care Types

  • Mild Dementia
  • Moderate Dementia
  • Advanced/Complex Dementia

Other Care Provided

  • Parkinson's Disease
  • Stroke
  • Palliative / End of Life Care
  • Convalescent Care

Facilities

  • Own Furniture if required
  • Smoking not permitted
  • Close to Local shops
  • Near Public Transport
  • Minibus or other transport
  • Lift
  • Wheelchair Access
  • Gardens
  • Bar/Café
  • Phone Point in own room
  • Residents Internet Access

Funding & Fees

Weekly Charges per Person

  • Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care: £1900 – £2100
  • Self-Funded Nursing Care: £1900 – £2100
  • Self-Funded Nursing Dementia Care: £1900 – £2100
  • RESPITE Self-Funded Residential Dementia Care: £1900 – £2100
  • RESPITE Self-Funded Nursing Care: £1900 – £2100
  • RESPITE Self-Funded Nursing Dementia Care: £1900 – £2100

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. For nursing care, Weekly Fee rate will be dependent on personal needs.

These prices are only a guideline, please contact Barchester Austen House 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)

Support you may be entitled to

If you chose a care home based in England, you may be eligible for NHS Funded Nursing Care (FNC), which helps cover the cost of nursing. This is worth £254.06 per week and is usually paid directly to the care home.

Good to Know

Person in charge

  • Katherine Mahoney (Registered Manager)

Local Authority / Social Services

Admission Criteria

  • Enquiries welcome from all agencies and individuals
  • Ages 45+

Care Home Design/Build

  • Purpose Built: Yes
  • Year Purpose Built: 1994
  • Last Refurbishment: 2024
  • Number of floors: 2

Room Information

  • Single Rooms (79)
  • Couples/Companion Rooms (0)

Parking

  • Free parking on site at Austen House

Barchester Austen House Care Home Reviews (124)

9.7

Barchester Austen House Care Home has a Review Score of 9.7 (9.714) out of 10, based on 24 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Barchester Austen House Care Home has 124 reviews.

Overall Experience
  • 84
  • 38
  • 2
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Date Published
  • 124
  • 10
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  • 24
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Reviewer Connection to Barchester Austen House Care Home
  • 39
  • 17
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  • 15
  • 14
  • 5
  • 3
  • 3
  • 2
  • 2
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  • 1
  • 1
  • 1
  • 1
  • 1
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Total of 124, showing 41-60
Review from F S (Husband of Resident) published on 31 August 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Austen House is a special place full of special, talented people. The staff are wonderful.
Reply from Natsayi Dunira, General Manager at Barchester Austen House Care Home

Thank you for your feedback. We are pleased we have and continue to be of great service to you and your wife.

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Review from P G (Husband of Resident) published on 30 June 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The best.
Reply from Natsayi Dunira, General Manager at Barchester Austen House Care Home

Thank you P G for your amazing review, it was a pleasure to see you during our Meet the Manager Event - you're always welcome to Austen House.

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Review from Sue B (Daughter of Resident) published on 30 June 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Following a change in personal circumstances, it became necessary for my mother to move to Austen House, She was very concerned and did not expect to be happy here. Against all expectations, my Mum settled in within just a couple of days and now eight months later is having the most wonderful time.
In fact, we have both said we wished we'd done this years ago! From the management to the carers, the entertainment and the kitchen, the staff are incredible. Absolute 5 stars from us.
Reply from Natsayi Dunira, General Manager at Barchester Austen House Care Home

Thank you Sue! It's an absolute pleasure to have Mum here with us, we look forward to seeing you again soon.

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Review from J S (Husband of Resident) published on 29 June 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Always friendly and quick to help.
Reply from Natsayi Dunira, General Manager at Barchester Austen House Care Home

Thank you for a fantastic review, we're proud of the quality of care we provide at Austen House.

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Review from Jacqui B (Daughter of Resident) published on 29 June 2021 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Austen House Care Home equals excellent care of residents and hospitality to families. So good I have encouraged my friends with elderly relatives to check out Austen House. From friendly welcome in reception, all the home staff are approachable and helpful, professional and friendly... excellent meals.
My dad is receiving the right level of care to suit his needs. He is loved, supported and encouraged to participate in all activities. Thanks for the excellent caring service.
Reply from Natsayi Dunira, General Manager at Barchester Austen House Care Home

We're very thankful for your recommendation and positive feedback - we strive to achieve Outstanding at Austen House.

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Review from R T (Brother of Resident) published on 29 June 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
This is my first visit to see my brother and it was a joy meeting the staff who were only too pleased to speak to me about my brother. This is somewhere I would go if I have to live in a home. I am very grateful for the care he is receiving. Thank you.
Reply from Natsayi Dunira, General Manager at Barchester Austen House Care Home

It was a pleasure to meet you. We are so thankful for your kind words and high star review, we look forward to seeing you again soon!

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Review from J P (Wife of Resident) published on 21 June 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Staff very cheerful and helpful.
Reply from Natsayi Dunira, General Manager at Barchester Austen House Care Home

Thank you for your review, we strive to achieve Outstanding at Austen House.

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Review from Sarah S (Daughter of Resident) published on 18 June 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I am extremely happy with the care my mum receives. It's heartbreaking watching her suffer from dementia but knowing she getting the care and support she deserves and needs helps.
Reply from Natsayi Dunira, General Manager at Barchester Austen House Care Home

Thank you for your comments, I am so pleased to hear such positive feedback.

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Review from V W (Wife of Resident) published on 16 June 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
They are very good and they look after him. He is very happy at Austen House.
Reply from Natsayi Dunira, General Manager at Barchester Austen House Care Home

Thank you taking the time to review Austen House. We love to hear when our relatives are pleased with the home.

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Review from H T (Resident) published on 6 June 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I am feeling comfortable and safe.
Reply from Natsayi Dunira, General Manager at Barchester Austen House Care Home

Thank you for an amazing review, we're pleased to hear that you're happy with the care you receive at Austen House.

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Review from J P (Resident) published on 5 June 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I am happy with everything. Friendly staff, tasty food, clean place, relaxing and safe.
Reply from Natsayi Dunira, General Manager at Barchester Austen House Care Home

Thank you so much, Jane, we're very pleased to hear that you highly rate Austen House.

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Review from Ronald P (Resident) published on 5 June 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Friendly environment. Tasty food. Good care.
Reply from Natsayi Dunira, General Manager at Barchester Austen House Care Home

Thank you for such an amazing review Ronald, we strive to achieve outstanding within our home. We're pleased to see that you are happy at Austen House.

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Review from David R (Husband of Resident) published on 17 May 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Since my wife first came to Barchester Austen House I have noticed an improvement in her and I put this down to the first-class care and attention of all the various carers looking after her. All the staff that I have met have treated her with care and courtesy and have been helpful to me also.
Reply from Natsayi Dunira, General Manager at Barchester Austen House Care Home

Thank you so much for your kind words, we're pleased to hear that we have made a positive impact on your wife's wellbeing. We look forward to seeing you every week!

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Review from M A (Husband of Resident) published on 7 May 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
People are kind and friendly. Nice building, rooms, lounge and great choice of food especially for lunch. Room refreshments morning and afternoon. Wide range of activities (just started after lockdown). Skype and phone and visiting options.
Reply from Natsayi Dunira, General Manager at Barchester Austen House Care Home

Thank you for your feedback, we strive to achieve outstanding at Austen House.

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Review from M H (Daughter of Resident) published on 8 April 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Really caring, very kind and supportive.
Reply from Natsayi Dunira, General Manager at Barchester Austen House Care Home

Thank you for such a high star review; we really strive to achieve outstanding at Austen House.

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Review from Liz W (Resident) published on 5 March 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Nice staff.
Reply from Natsayi Dunira, General Manager at Barchester Austen House Care Home

We're very grateful for such a high star review; we really strive to achieve outstanding at Austen House.

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Review from Jocelyn B (Resident) published on 5 March 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Everything excellent.
Reply from Natsayi Dunira, General Manager at Barchester Austen House Care Home

We're very pleased to hear that you are very satisfied with your care; Austen House aims to achieve outstanding.

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Review from Syed Z (Resident) published on 19 January 2021 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Generally the standard of service, courtesy, cleanliness and food has been good. Any drawbacks are due to language difficulty in everyday communication and exchanges.
Reply from Natsayi Dunira, General Manager at Barchester Austen House Care Home

Thank you for your recent review. We pride ourselves on the service and I will pass feedback on to the relevant teams too. Thank you again and a happy new year to you.

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Review from Steve (Son of Resident) published on 9 December 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
My Mother has been living in Austen House for five months now; we have been very pleased and impressed by the professionalism and care shown over the initial moving in period, now she has settled we have seen how the support continues to grow. All the staff show relentless care and love to my Mother
and have helped the family keep a very close link to her over these testing times, it seems nothing is too much effort.
Reply from Natsayi Dunira, General Manager at Barchester Austen House Care Home

Thank you Steve, we really appreciate the time taken to write such a lovely review. We strive to provide outstanding care at our home.

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Review from Mark H (Son of Resident) published on 21 September 2020 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My father was admitted to Austen House from hospital with Parkinson's and dementia.
From the moment he was there he looked so comfortable and in a way happier. The room was clean tidy and spacious. I loved the way that every single staff member knew who my Dad was when his name was mentioned. It felt
like a personal touch. I couldn't fault a single thing and commend everything they do there. They looked after my father with the utmost professionalism which the manager should be extremely proud of. I would like to express my sincere gratitude for everything the staff do for their patients in Austen house. I would also like to thank the manager for everything, she is a true professional and always there to help.
Thank you all.
Reply from Natsayi Dunira, General Manager at Barchester Austen House Care Home

Thank you for taking the time to write this review, this really means a lot to us to hear such kind words.

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Current Review Score: 9.7 (9.714)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.7 (9.714) out of 10 for Barchester Austen House 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 24 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 24 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 4.714 for Barchester Austen House Care Home is calculated as follows: ( (209 Excellents x 5) + (67 Goods x 4) + (7 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 283 Ratings = 4.714
  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 Austen House Care Home is based on 24 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 79 registered maximum number of service users is 15.8, which has been reached with 24 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: 4 Oct 2022

Overall Requires improvement

  • Caring Good
  • Effective Requires improvement
  • Responsive Good
  • Safe Requires improvement
  • Well-led Requires improvement
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 (88)

Meet the Team (13)

Katherine

Katherine Mahoney

Job Title: General Manager Joined: 2025

Hello, I am Katherine Mahoney. I am the General Manager at Austen House. Welcome to our Carehome profile!


I have worked in Health and social care for 25 years, and was a registered manager in various care settings for 15 years. Most recently, I have been registered manager of a premium care home for the last 4 years.


I am very passionate about delivering outstanding care to our residents, empowering them to make choices and live their lives to the fullest. I believe resident wellbeing is paramount and should be at the centre of everything we do, and I enjoy making a meaningful impact on their lives.


I am very excited to be part of the team at Austen House, and look forward to continuing to make a positive impact, ensuring every resident’s journey with us is filled with dignity, respect and high quality care.

Khizra

Khizra Ain

Job Title: Clinical Deputy Manager Joined: 2024

Hello, my name is Khizra, and I am proud to be the Clinical Deputy Manager here at Austen House Care Home. I joined the team in 2024 as a Registered Nurse and, through dedication and commitment to providing the very best care, progressed to Senior Registered Nurse before stepping into my current role.


I began my career as a Military Nurse in Pakistan, where I served for two years before moving to the United Kingdom to continue my nursing journey. My passion has always been to ensure the highest standards of care, and I strongly believe in a person-centred approach that values the dignity, individuality, and well-being of every resident.


For me, making a positive difference in people’s lives is at the heart of everything I do, and I am dedicated to supporting both residents and colleagues here at Austen House.

Lind

Lind Immaculate

Job Title: Home Administrator Joined: 2015

I'm Lind, and I have been a part of the team since 2015. I am very passionate about my role at Austen House and love spending time with the residents and getting to know their relatives. During my time at Austen House, I have developed my skills and completed the Level 2 Accounting course.


I am always around to help and happy to assist wherever possible.

Charlie

Charlie Burns

Job Title: Senior Activities Lead Joined: 2017

Hello, I'm Charlie and I am the Senior Activities Lead here at Austen House.
I have proudly worked at for Barchester since 2017. As Senior Activities Lead, I tailor enriching, engaging and individualised activities for our wonderful residents here at Austen. I am supported by my amazing team of Activity Coordinators to deliver activities on a daily basis across the home.
I look forward to welcoming you and your family to Austen House!

Ainsworth

Ainsworth Brown

Job Title: Chef Joined: 2015

Ainsworth started working in the hospitality industry in 2004 as a second chef at a different care home. He gained further experience as a Chef De Partie, preparing various English, Asian and French authentic dishes, before being promoted to Head Chef.

Gihan

Gihan Jayasinghe

Job Title: Head of Housekeeping Joined: 2023

Hello, I’m Gihan and I am the Head of Housekeeping.


I have been working for Barchester since 2023 and am proud to lead my team of housekeepers and laundry assistants in ensuring the home is clean and looking beautiful.
I really enjoy working at Austen House alongside our residents and my team.”

Soniya

Soniya Sharma

Job Title: Head of Unit Joined: 2019

Hello, my name is Sonyia and I am a young, dedicated, committed nurse, willing to explore and develop my knowledge and skills.


I enjoy working with a variety of people and enjoy a challenge, using my initiative to solve a problem. It is important to me to ensure that within the care home, my residents are comfortable and satisfied with their surroundings and care.

Josephine

Josephine Shingwele

Job Title: Head of Unit/Care Practioner Joined: 2005

Joesphine has been employed by Barchester Austen House since/02/2023 and ever since she has been a very valued member of staff, she is reliable and flexible and her committed to her role as she helps other staff members to deliver possible person-centred care to our residents.

Prathistha

Prathistha Karhi

Job Title: Registered Nurse Joined: 2021

Hello, my name is Prathistha and I have joined the nursing team at Austen House, I moved from the Nepal to qualify as a nurse and really enjoying getting to know and caring for our residents

Karen

Karen Lay

Job Title: Laundry Assistant Joined: 1998

Karen has worked with us for over 20 years! She is a Laundry Assistant within Austen House.

Domestic Team

Domestic Team

Job Title: Hostess Team Joined: 2016

Hello! Meet some of our hostesses who are very passionate about the art of hosting and creating unforgettable experiences at Austen House.

Sunita

Sunita Biyani

Job Title: Activities Assistant Joined: 2008

I joined the team at Austen House in 2008 and passionate about fulfilling residents lives by getting to know each individual on a personal level and supporting them to continue enjoying their hobbies, I hold this very close to my heart 

Jo

Jo Austin

Job Title: Hairdresser

Jo is our home hairdresser at Austen House, appointments with her are available two days a week and she is very flexible over what time residents would like, we all love a pamper and she also visits residents in their rooms if they prefer!

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