The Willows Care Home

Heathercroft, Great Linford, Milton Keynes MK14 5EG
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9.7 136 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

Type of Service

    Nursing Home
  • For a maximum of 130 Service Users

Primary Care Categories

  • Older Person Care
  • Dementia
  • Physical Disability
  • Visual / Hearing Impairment
  • Permanent Care
  • Respite Care

Other Care Provided

  • Palliative / End of Life Care

Facilities

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

Funding & Fees

Weekly Charges per Person

  • RESPITE Self-Funded Nursing Care: from £1450

These prices are only a guideline, please contact The Willows Care Home to find out the exact price for your requirements.

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

Group/Owner

Person in charge

  • Sahr Mosery (Home Manager)

Local Authority / Social Services

Admission Criteria

  • Ages 60+

Care Home Design/Build

  • Purpose Built: Yes

Room Information

  • Single Rooms (130)

Visiting

  • Visitors welcome at any time.

Parking

  • On site parking for visitors.

The Willows Care Home Reviews (136)

Total of 136, showing 101-120
9.7

The Willows Care Home has a Review Score of 9.7 (9.721) out of 10, based on 47 reviews in the last 2 years. Over all time The Willows Care Home has 136 reviews.

Overall Experience

  • 106
  • 25
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Date Published

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Review from Matt L (Son of Resident) published on 17 November 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Excellent care all around. Very impressed. We are so relieved that the resident is in such a great place!

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

Thank you for your kind words for the Willows Care Home and it's super to hear that your loved one is happy in the home.

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Review from B H (Daughter of Resident) published on 17 November 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

They have cared for Mum very well overall, and some of the carers are excellent. There was a hiatus in organised communal activities, but they have now resumed, although Mum hasn't been well enough to take part. This accounts for the lower mark because in-room activities don't happen.

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

Thank you for your review and feedback to the Willows Care Home and we are pleased to hear that your Mum has been cared for well. We are recruiting for two new Lifestyle Co-ordinators to join our team at the home so we can offer a wider range of activities as we agree we would like to offer more.

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Review from L L (Daughter-in-law of Resident) published on 17 November 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

This has been a difficult time for all staff, residents and families.
I believe that are doing their best under very difficult circumstances.

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

Thank you for taking the time to review The Willows Care Home and we agree it has been a difficult time. If you need to discuss anything, the Manager or myself are always happy to receive any feedback.

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Review from Garry M (Son of Resident) published on 16 November 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

Excellent care for Dad, who was on respite care that was also to help me! Very friendly and thoughtful staff.

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

Thank you for your review of The Willows, and we were pleased to hear you were happy with the care for your Dad during his stay.

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Review from S A (Daughter of Resident) published on 11 November 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

The Activities lady is amazing, always going above and beyond. Reception staff are always happy to help, they are warm and friendly.

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

Thank you for your positive review for The Willows and we agree they certainly are amazing in Activities. We are expanding the Team too so they can spread further around the home.

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

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My mother is well cared for and the staff are brilliant. They are patient, caring and treat her with dignity.

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

Thank you for your excellent review of The Willows and happy to hear your Mother is well cared for by the staff.

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Review from Susan M (Daughter of Resident) published on 10 November 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5

My father speaks highly of the staff who care for him, both care assistants and registered staff. My father would like the menu to be reviewed as to the amount of sausages are ingredients to meals and for the bacon to be soft and not hard, due to being on the hot plate. My father does not engage in
activities, albeit pre-covid, they were plentiful. He prefers to remain in his room but this is his choice, so his right to choose is honoured. As a visitor, the staff are polite and helpful to me.

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

Thank you for your feedback on The Willows. It is good to hear that your Father speaks highly of the staff. We will look into the other areas that you have raised and come back to you and your Father. We appreciate all feedback given to the home.

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Review from Rachel R (Granddaughter of Resident) published on 10 November 2021
Submitted via Postal Card • Report

Overall Experience  Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5

My nanna loves staying here. All the staff are kind, lovely and friendly. Nanna enjoys Bingo and chatting with the carers. Nothing seems too much trouble. I always get my cup of tea.

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

Thank you for your review for The Willows and I am glad to hear that both your Nanna and you are well looked after.

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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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Current Review Score: 9.7 (9.721)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.7 (9.721) 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 4.7 out of 5 from 47 Reviews in the last 24 months.

  • b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 45 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 4.721 for The Willows Care Home is calculated as follows: ( (453 Excellents x 5) + (70 Goods x 4) + (10 Satisfactorys x 3) + (1 Poors x 2) + (15 Very Poors x 1) ) ÷ 549 Ratings = 4.721

  • 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 45 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 45 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

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Awards / Recognitions (8)

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.

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