The Willows Care Home

Heathercroft, Great Linford, Milton Keynes MK14 5EG
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9.6 128 Reviews
  • The Willows Care Home, Milton Keynes
The Willows Care Centre is located in Great Linford which is a village with the Grand Union Canal running through its centre just a few miles from central Milton Keynes.

Set in spacious, peaceful grounds the home has en-suite rooms and extensive communal areas and provides the highest standards of care and accommodation for people with residential, dementia, nursing or palliative care needs.

The Willows makes the most of the diverse local amenities. A short walk from the home there is a local centre which has shopping opportunities, eateries and a coffee shop. Two public houses offering food and refreshments are also within walking distance. The local duck pond is only a stone’s throw away form the home and provides a tranquil setting to watch the local wild life.

The Willows has lounge and dining areas with kitchenettes on each floor where meals are provided by a chef and their team who can cater for all specialist diets.

In addition, there are numerous quiet areas around the home, a conservatory and a hairdressing salon. There is also a large enclosed garden which is accessible to wheelchair users.

Reminiscence is key to wellbeing and The Willows has three reminiscence shops within the grounds to take the people living there on a trip down memory lane. The dynamic and engaging activities team provide wide and varied opportunities for social engagement tailored to the choices of the individual.

Due to the peaceful setting of the home it is difficult to imagine it is so close to the centre of a busy city. There is good public transport links to the home with a bus stop just outside the main gates.

A warm welcome awaits anyone at any time of day with no visiting restrictions, young and old alike the more the merrier.

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Care Provided by The Willows Care Home

  • Type of Service
    • Nursing Home
  • Privately Owned
  • For a maximum of 130 Service Users
  • Primary Care Categories
  • Dementia
  • Older Person Care
  • Physical Disability
  • Respite Care
  • Sensory Impairment
  • Care Offered
  • Other Care Provided
  • Palliative Care

Good to Know

  • Person in charge
  • Sahr Mosery (Home Manager)
  • Admission Criteria
    • Ages 60+
  • Room Information
    • Single Rooms (130)
  • Care Home Design/Build
    • Purpose Built: Yes

Funding & Fees Guide for The Willows Care Home

  • Weekly Charges per Person
    • RESPITE Self-Funded Nursing Care from £1,450
  • (these prices are only a guideline, please contact The Willows Care Home to find out the exact price for your requirements)

Facilities

  • Close to Local shops
  • Gardens
  • Lift
  • Near Public Transport
  • Own Furniture if required
  • Pet Friendly (or by arrangement)
  • Phone Point in own room
  • Residents Kitchenette
  • Television point in own room
  • Wheelchair Access
  • Visiting

  • Visitors welcome at any time.


  • Parking

  • On site parking for visitors.


The Willows Care Home Reviews (128)

Total of 128, showing 101-120
9.6

The Willows Care Home has a Review Score of 9.6 (9.639) out of 10, based on 45 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time The Willows Care Home has 128 reviews.

Overall Experience

  • 98
  • 25
  • 2
  • 1
  • 2

Date Published

128
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Review from Sue I (Daughter of Resident) published on 10 November 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

From the moment I enter The Willows, all the staff are friendly and helpful and can't do enough for me or my mother. She is well cared for at all times.

Reply from Celia Hardill, Regional Director (Milton Keynes) at The Willows Care Home

Thank you for your kind words for the staff at The Willows. And we are pleased to hear that your Mother is well cared for.


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Review from David C (Son of Resident) published on 10 November 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I am so happy that my mum is being cared for at The Willows Care Home. Caring for challenging dementia patients is extremely difficult, but I can always rest assured that all Mums needs are being met. I have complete confidence in all the staff at The Willows and have the utmost respect for them all.
I am pleased to consider that staff as friends of our family.

Reply from Celia Hardill, Regional Director (Milton Keynes) at The Willows Care Home

Thank you for your kind words for The Willows. We are happy to hear that your Mum is being well cared for and content at The Willows. Kind regards.


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Review from Julie P (Mother of Resident) published on 8 November 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Very clean. Polite, friendly staff.

Reply from Aimee Bowler, Client Relationship Manager at The Willows Care Home

Thank you so much for your kind comments and ratings. We appreciate you taking the time to give us feedback.


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Review from Anne F (Daughter of Resident) published on 6 September 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The Willows received my mother from hospital for palliative care after a severe stroke left her at an end of life situation. During the 5-6 weeks she spent with them in the nursing wing, she received the most excellent care and sensitive attention. As next of kin (and including all relatives), we were
allowed unfettered access to her at any time for unlimited visits which, following a difficult period of Covid limitation, was very reassuring. Of course, the protocol and PPE were followed at all times. I just want to say what a magnificent job all the staff did to make her final days comfortable and for being a great support to the family at a tragic time.

Reply from Celia Hardill, Regional Director (Milton Keynes) at The Willows Care Home

Thank you for the lovely words to the home at a difficult time for you, we were pleased to hear that your Mother's final days were comfortable ones. Best wishes to you. Kind regards Celia.


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Review from L W (Brother-in-law of Resident) published on 5 September 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Seems a very peaceful home and relaxing for residents and visitors. The family liaison lady is very friendly but both times I have visited, reception could be a bit more friendly. Not so much 'jobs worth'.

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Review from D C (Daughter of Resident) published on 1 September 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

The Willows is a lovely home. My mum was only there for a short while due to hospital visits and respite. Her stay at The Willows was a good one. The home, unfortunately, is understaffed at present, but this didn't reflect on the care Mum received. The staff all made Mum very welcome. These people need
more credit for what they do every day.

Reply from Celia Hardill, Regional Director (Milton Keynes) at The Willows Care Home

Thank you for your review and we were pleased your Mum had a good stay in the home. The staffing in the home has since undergone a review with the new manager and we have recruited some excellent carers in the home. We are delighted to say we are increasing the activities hours also, which I am sure the residents will enjoy. Thanks again. Kind regards Celia Hardill.


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Review from D W (Sister of Resident) published on 23 August 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

As a visitior I have found The Willows Care Home to be a well-run care home. Conditions are very good and the staff very caring, helpful and attentive.

Reply from Celia Hardill, Regional Director (Milton Keynes) at The Willows Care Home

Many thanks for your review of The Willows, it is good to hear that you are happy with the home. We are currently working on the new menus and activity programme in the home so we should be able to see yet more improvement. Rob Ashton is the new manager and is always happy to discuss any issues you may have. Kind regards.


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Review from Diane S (Daughter of Resident) published on 23 August 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

All the staff are very caring and helpful. They are also very strict with the covid rules.

Reply from Celia Hardill, Regional Director (Milton Keynes) at The Willows Care Home

Thank you for your kind review of The Willows and it is good to hear that the staff have following the covid rules. Kind regards.


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Review from Linda D (Daughter of Resident) published on 3 August 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

I have not been able to see my dad since March 2020 (because of COVID restrictions) – but staff have been available on the telephone, and I can speak to my dad via Face-time.
Staff are consistently professional, polite, and helpful. Although my dad can be curmudgeonly and difficult, the staff treat
him with affection, kindness and respect on a continuum. They deal with his memory loss and “ideas of reference” with skill and kindness. Despite his decline into dementia, he spontaneously told me on my last visit that staff treat him very well. During his last admission to an acute general ward, he told me he couldn’t wait to get “home” (i.e., The Willows). I am a retired mental health nurse/manager and have managed acute mental health wards so am qualified to say - I couldn’t think of a better place for my dad to receive his care. Please pass my sincere thanks to all staff for their tender ministrations.

Reply from Celia Hardill, Regional Director (Milton Keynes) at The Willows Care Home

Thank you for your words of praise for the staff and it's good to hear the staff have looked after Dad. I will certainly pass these on to them. Kind regards.


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Review from Linda G (Daughter of Resident) published on 3 March 2021
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Communication; the staff stay in regular contact with me by telephone. My mum has had to have two visits recently to the hospital (not Covid related), the staff have kept me fully informed of any changes and asked my opinion on how my mum's care should proceed. The staff have listened to and engaged
with me, and we have come to the best interest decisions for my mum.


There have been regular emails on updates relating to Covid 19 and visiting rights and regulations.


Person-centred care.
My mum is diagnosed with Dementia, the nursing and care staff know my mum. The staff have detailed plans for her care needs. Most importantly to me, they engage in her favourite past times, which keep her fragile mental health well. For example, my mum loves music. The staff play music to her from an iPad and sit with her, which she enjoys immensely. Staff also sit with her and look at pictures of dogs and wildlife to gain her interest


Thank you to The Willows for caring for my mum.


Reply from Jackie blease, Regional Director (Milton Keynes) at The Willows Care Home

Thank you so much for your lovely comments; your appreciation means a lot to the staff team at The Willows.


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Review from Sally S (Sister-in-law of Resident) published on 25 November 2019
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

We have been really impressed by The Willows. The caring and dedicated staff are always available, the cleanliness, the friendliness and sheer compassion that is shown by everyone there. We visited at odd times for months and all the time all the residents looked clean and so well looked after. It is
so good there are lovely homes like this. Thank you, everyone at The Willows.

Reply from Dionne Quy, Manager at The Willows Care Home

Thank you for you kind review, I have passed your comments on to the staff.


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Review from Malcolm G (Son of Resident) published on 12 June 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My mum was always cared for in a professional manner. They always made for her.

Reply from Dionne Quy, Manager at The Willows Care Home

Thank you for your review. It was a pleasure having your mum staying with us and she is greatly missed. I will be looking into your comments regarding activities.


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Review from Howard B (Son of Resident) published on 6 June 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

In the 3 years that Mum has been in the care of The Willows, she has been treated by all the staff equally well. The premises is very well run and over the whole time, we have become to know all the staff as friends!

Reply from Dionne Quy, Manager at The Willows Care Home

Thank you for your review, it was a pleasure having your mother stay with us, the staff have fond memories of her 100th Birthday.


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Review from L A (Daughter of Resident) published on 22 March 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother passed away recently having been a resident at The Willows for 4 years. In the years that she was resident, she was treated with care, compassion and respect. During the last few days of her life the care was exemplary and not only was mum treated with respect and TLC, so was I.

Reply from Dionne Quy, Manager at The Willows Care Home

Thank you for your kind review. It was a pleasure and privilege to have been able to care for your mum.


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Review from Laurence P (Husband of Resident) published on 5 March 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

The Willows Care Centre really looked after my wife extremely well from the time she arrived until her death. The managers, nurses and carers were brilliant. Her room and bed were always clean. All her food was nicely prepared. They also fed her whenever it was needed.

Reply from Dionne Quy, Manager at The Willows Care Home

Thank you for your kind review. It was a pleasure and a privilege to have been involved in your wife's care.


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Review from Chris B (Grandson of Resident) published on 6 February 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our granny at 96 years old has been living independently but needs changed and granny was initially adamant not to go to a care home. The staff at The Willows Care Home from the outset were patient, knowledgeable, kind and professional. To the point that granny decided The Willows was the place for
her to be and moved from her family home of 73 years. The care at The Willows has been spot on, granny was happy, warm, clean and well fed and we as a family were well supported no matter what time we needed anything. Thank you.

Reply from Dionne Quy, Manager at The Willows Care Home

Thank you for you kind review, it was a pleasure to have had the privilege of having your granny stay with us


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Review from Chrissie T (Daughter of Resident) published on 15 January 2019
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Absolutely the best care from all the staff. Nurses, cleaners, receptionists. You do yourselves proud.

Reply from Dionne Quy, Manager at The Willows Care Home

Thank you for your review. Your feedback is appreciated and will be passed on to all the staff.


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Review from Janet V (Resident) published on 21 December 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My stay here has been very restful. I have been well cared for by wonderful staff.

Reply from Dionne Quy, Manager at The Willows Care Home

Thank you for kind comments. We wish you well in your new home and it was a pleasure have you stay with us on respite.


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Review from A F (Daughter of Resident) published on 27 September 2018
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Mum loved her stay at The Willows and was sad to leave, but she has gone to stay at Castlemead permanently. Staff helpful and friendly. Made Mum very welcome.

Reply from Dionne Quy, Manager at The Willows Care Home

Thank you for your review. It was a pleasure having your mother stay with us. I hope she has settled in and is enjoying her time at Castlemead.


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Review from Lyn B (Daughter of Resident) published on 23 March 2018
Submitted via Website • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Our mother has gone from totally excluding herself from everyone within the care home to now befriending several other users within The Willows. We used to find her shut in her room with the lights off (this was her doing). Now she brings her friends to her room to show us her latest artworks and simply
show off! It is very good knowing mum is totally safe. The WHOLE care team and management are truly amazing people we consider to be our extended family. Thank you for all you do every minute of every day. Real life "Angels".

Reply from Dionne Quy, General Manager at The Willows Care Home

Thank you for the kind review - it's nice to hear that my team has had such a positive impact on Mum and her wellbeing.


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Current Review Score: 9.6 (9.639)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.6 (9.639) out of 10 for The Willows Care Home is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  • a) The Average Rating is 4.6 out of 5 from 45 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 42 positive Reviews in the last 24 months.

Detailed Breakdown of Review Score

The maximum Review Score for a Care Home is 10, which is made up from the Average Rating of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) and the Number of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) in the last 24 months:

  • a) 5 Points are available for the Average Rating from all Reviews in the last 24 months.

    The Average Rating of 4.639 for The Willows Care Home is calculated as follows: ( (413 Excellents x 5) + (79 Goods x 4) + (12 Satisfactorys x 3) + (5 Poors x 2) + (18 Very Poors x 1) ) ÷ 527 Ratings = 4.639

  • b) 5 Points are available for the number of Positive Reviews in the last 24 months. A Positive Review is defined as any Review with an 'Overall Experience' of '4' or '5' (out of a max rating '5').

    The 5 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for The Willows Care Home is based on 42 positive Reviews in the last 24 months and is calculated as per below:

    The 5 points available are broken down as follows:

    • i) 4 points are available for the first 10 Positive Reviews in the last 24 months; 3 points for the first Positive Review, and then 0.125 Points for each of the next four Positive Reviews and then 0.1 Points for the next five Positive Reviews. (1st = 3.000, 2nd = 0.125, 3rd = 0.125, 4th = 0.125, 5th = 0.125, 6th = 0.100, 7th = 0.100, 8th = 0.100, 9th = 0.100, 10th = 0.100) 3 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 = 4

    • ii) 1 point is available for the number of Positive Reviews reaching 20% of the registered maximum number of service users in the last 24 months. If this number is partially reached, then that proportion of 1 point is given. eg a Care Home registered for a maximum of 50 service users has to reach 10 Positive Reviews to receive 1 point, if it has 7 reviews it will receive 0.7 points. 20% of the 130 registered maximum number of service users is 26, which has been reached with 42 Positive reviews. Points = 1

  • When a Review is submitted by someone who has previously submitted a Review, only the latest Review will count towards the Review Score.

  • If a Care Home does not have a review in the last 24 months, then it will not have a Review Score.

Regulatory Rating

Care Quality Commission (CQC) Rating

Date: 30 Dec 2024

Overall
Good

  • Caring

    Requires improvement

  • Effective

    Good

  • Responsive

    Good

  • Safe

    Good

  • Well-led

    Good

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

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Bed Vacancies

Please Contact Us for Latest Vacancies

Awards / Recognitions (8)

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Meet the Team (4)

Sahr

Sahr Moseray

Job Title: Home Manager

Joined: 2022

Sahr join The Willows Care Home in October 2022 as a Home Manager. He has worked in the care sector for over 18 years and held various roles from carer to Home Manager; he brings with him a wealth of knowledge of caring for older people.


Sahr is passionate about delivering a high standard of person-centred care and transformational leadership. Sahr has completed Level 7 Diploma in Health and Social Care Management, Level 4 NVQ in Leadership and Management for Care Services and Level 3 NVQ in Health and Social Care.


Sahr’s primary responsibilities include managing day to day smooth running of the home. Supervising and motivating team members to deliver high-quality services and ensuring the needs and aspirations of people who use the services are being met.


Justyna

Justyna Blajerska

Job Title: Operations Support Manager

Joined: 2022

Justyna joined Excelcare in October 2022 in the role of Residential Manager.


She is responsible for leading and managing the residential unit and Lavender lodge on all aspects of day-to-day business deliverables, including performance monitoring in relation to quality and best outcome for people who live in the home.


She has recently become our Operations Support Manager.


Gale

Gale Hills

Job Title: Business Manager

Joined: 2010

Gale has been with Excelcare for 14 years, appointed as Regional Administration Manager.


Gale was promoted to Business Manager in 2022. She is responsible for developing and engaging with team members to include Admin, Care, Domestic, Laundry and Catering services to the Home.


Suzanne

Suzanne Bennett

Job Title: Home Administrator

Joined: 2023

Suzanne joined Excelcare in 2023.
She works closely with the management team, receptionist to ensure the smooth running of administration within the home and help to ensure high standards are maintained throughout the home.