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
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Date Published
  • 124
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Reviewer Connection to Barchester Austen House Care Home
  • 39
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  • 15
  • 14
  • 5
  • 3
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  • 2
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  • 1
  • 1
  • 1
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Total of 124, showing 81-100
Review from A M (Son of Resident) published on 23 September 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Dad cam to Austen House in July and 2 monthson I have seen a great improvement in him. His general manner and ability seem much better. He appears calm and content with being in this home.
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Review from C D (Wife of Resident) published on 23 September 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I am extremely pleased with the care given to my husband.
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Review from M B (Son of Resident) published on 19 September 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Dad moved into Austen House in April 2019, took a while to settle in, but the staff are very patient and caring. He has now totally settled into his new environment.
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Review from H C (Wife of Resident) published on 5 September 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
My husband became a resident at Austen House in April when circumstances required a change. Fortunately, my family and I have been extremely pleased with the individual care and attention my husband has, and continues to receive. All members of staff, without exception show respect for the individual
and concern and care for his well being. Their care and attitude to my husband has made a difficult situation easier to bear.
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Review from J H (Wife of Resident) published on 5 September 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
The care home has been good in that they have been able to get him to have a shower, which I was unable to do. The staff are very good and caring. The food is also very good and plentiful, along with tea and coffee. The facilities are also very well presented.
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Review from A S (Niece of Resident) published on 9 August 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
During my Aunt's stay, I found all the staff extremely helpful, although the nursing staff changed quite frequently their duty of care was always of good standard. No doubt my Aunt could be a little difficult, she was treated with respect and dignity. I was contacted even if a minor incident occurred.
When I visited Austen House everyone was friendly and I was able to speak with a nurse if I had any concerns.
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Review from K F (Husband of Resident) published on 31 July 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Austen House received my wife from the hospital for end of life care. After initial problems with the type of bed that was suitable for my wife's condition, which was quickly rectified, the care shown by the nurses and staff was very kind and, at times, went beyond what was expected. The room was kept
clean and the laundry service was particularly good. I would have no hesitation in recommending this care home.
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Review from Shirley G (Sister of Resident) published on 23 May 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I am very happy with care, staff all friendly, made welcome. Tea and cakes and asked to join in what everyone is doing.
The rooms are tidy and again the staff are very helpful. It has got a lot better with the new management team.
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Review from P W (Wife of Resident) published on 4 April 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
We are very pleased with the care and nursing our relative is receiving and put his improvement down, very much, to the attention he receives.
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Review from Dominique S (Daughter of Resident) published on 13 March 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Very good care of my father.


Always clean and well moisturised as of 4 months ago.


Big progression within the care home within the past 4 months.


Dad is always hydrated and has gained weight and is looking healthy.


The room is kept clean and frequently updated with calls on Dad's wellbeing.

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Review from Danielle S (Daughter of Resident) published on 27 February 2019 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
I have seen a real change in the last year. My dad is very happy, has gained weight and looks very healthy.


The care home is kept in good condition and is very clean! All staff are friendly and welcoming. I feel very comfortable leaving my dad.


Staff deserve a lot of praise!

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Review from Fred F (Son of Resident) published on 2 August 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
My father has been a resident at Austen House form September 2017. Before entering the home, he was consistently reluctant to join lunch club or visit a day centre. He now looks forward and participating in the varied activities and garden centre visits and he's rediscovered his singing voice.
The
general care and attention he receives from all staff is friendly and professional. The food is always of a high standard with a choice of menu.
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Review from Clive B (Son-in-law of Resident) published on 16 July 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Just wanted to say how absolutely delighted and impressed we are with everything about Austen House. Being impressed starts with the moment you arrive in the gardens; and the feelgood factor continues when you enter the reception and goes on when you see the rooms and lounge, dining room etc. The whole
ambience is totally pleasing. I have always thought if I end up having to be in a home it would be a total nightmare, but Austen House has changed my mind!


But, of course, no matter how wonderful facilities are, in the end, it all comes down to people, and once again it is a big (huge) 10 out of 10. We were very impressed when we were first shown around and with our initial telephone enquiries and since my wife's mother has moved in, we simply can not speak highly enough of everything that has been done for her: the care, the food, and particularly the staff have all been excellent.


In summary, we are absolutely convinced we could not have chosen better. Thank you.

Reply from Rozina Ali, General Manager at Barchester Austen House Care Home

Thank you very much for your lovely feedback on care delivery at Austen House, I will definitely share your views with my team which will further enhance their motivation to provide kind care to our residents.

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Review from Annie Joan W (Resident) published on 9 July 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I came here 3 weeks ago, quite ill with a chest infection. I've been looked after extremely well and I am quite well now. I have met lots of lovely people, very caring, very friendly. Lovely people each and every single one of them I crossed off. Everybody works together very well. One lady is very
special to me. Makes me feel so welcome.
Reply from Rozina Ali, General Manager at Barchester Austen House Care Home

Dear Annie thank you very much for your lovely comments and appreciation. We try our best to offer kind care to our residents and to make them feel special. You are always welcome at Austen House.

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Review from Cheryl H (Daughter of Resident) published on 3 July 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Staff have always been so polite, nice and helpful and nothing is too much trouble. The rooms are spotless as too is every other part of the facility. Mum is very happy here.
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Review from Caroline P (Wife of Resident) published on 2 July 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The staff treat my husband who has problems around personal care with patience and dignity.
They are very friendly and greet me when I visit my husband and tell me how he has been.
The home and his room is kept clean and tidy.
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Review from Elizabeth L (Wife of Resident) published on 2 July 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
My family and I are very pleased with the care and attention that is given to my husband. He has settled and is reasonably happy although does get his "down" time but enjoys flirting with all the nurses.
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Review from L C (Friend of Resident) published on 25 June 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
A carer from the home attended to my friend at her granddaughter's wedding. He was extremely kind, caring and very attentive to her needs. He made the day very special for her as she could not have attended without transport and a carer. I cannot thank him enough and he mixed so well with all at the
event - not easy when he knew no-one.
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Review from Maggie S (Daughter of Resident) published on 15 June 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
I have been very satisfied with Austen House Care Home.
It has provided excellent care and support for my mother.
The rooms are clean, tidy and bright, with an excellent cleaning and washing service.
The staff are excellent, caring and understanding, able to respond to Mum's needs quickly.
The food
is nutritious and suitable for her needs.
Overall a very good service.
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Review from Pauline W (Daughter of Resident) published on 8 June 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My Dad has been a resident for 8 months at Austen House. I am extremely happy and relieved that he is being looked and cared for very well. He is happy and has settled in really well. I do not live locally so its a great relief for me that his care is so good. The staff are all amazing and always have
time to take my calls.
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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.