Balgowan House is a well-established nursing home located close to the centre of Saltwood village near Hythe in Kent. The building has recently been extended and refurbished (completed 2016) to provide warm, welcoming and comfortable accommodation for up to forty residents.
Balgowan House is able to offer single or shared occupancy with the option of en-suite facilities in accommodation provided over two floors with two lifts giving access to all areas.
Residents are able to personalise their own rooms and enjoy the spacious and comfortable social areas, well-kept gardens, a sheltered patio and a conservatory.
Nursing and care assistants are available throughout the day and night, with call systems in bedrooms that add to residents' sense of security, and home-cooked meals supporting the pursuit of good health and nutrition.
Group: Hythe Care Homes Ltd
Person in charge: Clare Baker (Manager)
Local Authority / Social Services: Kent County Council (click for contact details)
Type of Service: Care Home with nursing – Privately Owned , Registered for a maximum of 40 Service Users
Registered Care Categories*: Dementia • Old Age • Physical Disability • Sensory Impairment
Specialist Care Categories: Alzheimer's • Cancer Care • Epilepsy • Head/Brain Injury • Hearing Impairment • Huntington's Disease • Motor Neurone Disease • Multiple Sclerosis • Parkinson's Disease • Speech Impairment • Stroke • Visual Impairment
Admission Information: Ages 50+.
Single Rooms: 34
Shared Rooms: 3
Rooms with ensuite WC: 13
Facilities & Services: Palliative Care • Day Care • Respite Care • Convalescent Care • Own GP if required • Own Furniture if required • Close to Local shops • Near Public Transport • Lift • Wheelchair access • Gardens for residents • Phone Point in own room/Mobile • Television point in own room • Residents Internet Access
Directions:
Balgowan House is located within easy walking distance of the centre of Saltwood village.
Visiting:
Balgowan House welcomes visitors at any time.
Parking:
Parking is available in the car park as well as unrestricted parking in Bartholomew Lane.
Latest Care Quality Commission* Report on Balgowan House: click here
* Care Quality Commission is responsible for the registration and inspection of social care services in England.
The Review Score of 9.9 (maximum of 10) for Balgowan House is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.
a) The Average Rating is 4.9 out of 5 from 21 Reviews over all time. This Average Rating is also the rating value for Balgowan House in Google's Search Results - more info
b) The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5 out of 5 from 16 positive Reviews in the last 12 months.
a) 5 Points are available for the Average Rating of all Reviews over all time. For each review the Care Home / service is rated Excellent, Good, Satisfactory, Poor or Very Poor on a number of areas eg Staff, Management etc. The Care Home receives points for each rating as follows: Excellent = 5. Good = 4. Satisfactory = 3. Poor = 2. Very Poor = 1. These points are added up and then divided by the total number of completed ratings to generate the average rating.
The Average Rating of 4.863 for Balgowan House is calculated as follows: ( (218 Excellents x 5) + (28 Goods x 4) + (3 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 249 Ratings = 4.863
b) 5 Points are available for the number of Positive Reviews in the last 12 months. If there are no Positive Reviews in the last 12 months, then 2.5 points are available for the number of Positive Reviews in the last 2 years. A Positive Review is defined as any Review with 'Extremely Likely' or 'Likely' in answer to the question 'How likely are you to recommend this Care Home to friends and family if they needed similar care or treatment?'
The 5 points available are broken down as follows:
4 points are available for the first 5 Positive Reviews, 3 points for the first Positive Review and then 0.25 Points for each of the next 4 Positive Reviews.
1 point is available for reaching a target number of Positive Reviews based on 20% of the number of registered maximum number of service users. If the target is partially reached then that proportion of 1 point is given. eg a Care Home with 50 registered maximum number of service users has a target of 10 Positive Reviews, if it has 10 or more Positive Reviews it will receive 1 point, if it has 7 reviews will receive 0.7 points.
If there are no Positive Reviews in the last 12 months, then 2.5 points are available for the number of Positive Reviews in the last 2 years. The calculation is the same as above, except the points are divided by 2.
The 5 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Balgowan House is based on 16 positive Reviews in the last 12 months and is calculated as follows:
3 + 0.25 + 0.25 + 0.25 + 0.25 = 4
Target of 8 positive Reviews (40 registered maximum number of service users ÷ 5). 16 Reviews ÷ 8 Target Reached = 1
When a Review is submitted by someone who has previously submitted a Review, only the latest Review will count towards the Review Score.
Balgowan House has a Review Score of 9.9 (9.863) from 21 Reviews
Review submitted from a Postal Card by Carol R (Daughter of Resident) on Tuesday 1 May 2018. Relates to April 2018.
Gound the building spotless, the carers just that, carers kind and friendly.
How likely would you be to recommend Balgowan House? Extremely Likely
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Review submitted from a Postal Card by Elizabeth L (Sister of Resident) on Monday 23 April 2018. Relates to February 2018.
Balgowan in Saltwood has given my Sister first-class care and nursing for 15 years. Sadly she passed away in March. Balgowan is a bright, clean and tidy place. The accommodation is homely too. Meals were nutritionally balanced and prepared by the chef daily. Staff helped my Sister when she needed support at meal times and to have as much independence as she wanted.
How likely would you be to recommend Balgowan House? Extremely Likely
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Review submitted from a Postal Card by Pat T (Daughter of Resident) on Wednesday 18 April 2018. Relates to March 2018.
I cannot emphasise enough the fantastic care my mother received during her stay at Balgowan House. Balgowan House has a very family orientated feel as soon as you walk in and the care given to my mother was nothing less than brilliant. The staff as a whole are very dedicated, polite and helpful. I cannot recommend them highly enough.
How likely would you be to recommend Balgowan House? Extremely Likely
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Review submitted from a Postal Card by Gavin B (Son of Resident) on Thursday 18 January 2018. Relates to December 2017.
My mother has been in Balgowan House for nearly two years. After reviewing other homes in the area, Balgowan outshone any recommendations. Aside from my mother feeling relaxed because she is so happily cared for, the team at Balgowan really are second to none. It was important to us as a family that mum has the best environment to live in and of course, the best care was paramount. The 'family' at Balgowan House far exceeded our expectations and above all, mums too!
How likely would you be to recommend Balgowan House? Extremely Likely
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Review submitted from a Postal Card by William L (Friend of Resident) on Sunday 14 January 2018. Relates to December 2017.
Balgowan is one of the best care homes I have visited. The staffing levels/patients gives one the impression of continuous attention to their needs and the endeavours with quizes, musical events etc all help to stimulate the residents and keep them involved in daily life.
How likely would you be to recommend Balgowan House? Extremely Likely
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Review submitted from a Postal Card by D F (Son of Resident) on Wednesday 10 January 2018. Relates to December 2017.
During the last 12 months that my mother has been in the care of Balgowen House, I have always been able to have peace of mind knowing that any of her needs will have fully been met and catered for. I will have no problem in recommending this residence to others that may require the same.
How likely would you be to recommend Balgowan House? Extremely Likely
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Review submitted from a Postal Card by R M (Daughter-in-law of Resident) on Wednesday 10 January 2018. Relates to December 2017.
My father-in-law is treated with kindness and dignity. His complex needs are met and his needs are reviewed regularly. The staff are all kind and respond to each resident.
How likely would you be to recommend Balgowan House? Extremely Likely
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Review submitted from a Postal Card by J S (Niece of Resident) on Tuesday 9 January 2018. Relates to December 2017.
We as a family are impressed with the care and attitude of the staff. They don't appear to be harassed or too busy to make time for the residents. All the staff are friendly and helpful. There is always a smile to greet us. The home is clean and well organised with plenty of equipment i.e hoists etc. My aunt can eat an drink at any time of the day or night.
The laundry is very efficient.
The entertainment is wonderful with musicians and singers and plenty of occupational therapy.
How likely would you be to recommend Balgowan House? Extremely Likely
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Review submitted from a Postal Card by D D (Daughter of Resident) on Tuesday 9 January 2018. Relates to December 2017.
Excellent care home.
Staff are excellent and very caring and willing to do anything you ask them to.
The manager is brilliant and so approachable, helpful, down to earth and very humorous.
Great atmosphere in the home. The home is clean and no smell.
Both my parents are in Balgowan House
How likely would you be to recommend Balgowan House? Extremely Likely
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Review submitted from a Postal Card by P E (Resident) on Monday 8 January 2018. Relates to December 2017.
My husband attends Balgowan House as a day visitor and enjoys the lunch and tea during his stay. The activities programme is flourishing and enjoyed by the many. The staff are courteous and welcoming and the manager is accessible and informative.
We recently attended the Xmas party for residents, relatives, and friends of residents and day visitors. The staff who are numerous addressed my husband by name and were pleased to see him.
How likely would you be to recommend Balgowan House? Extremely Likely
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Review submitted from a Postal Card by Roger W (Son of Resident) on Thursday 21 December 2017. Relates to December 2017.
Mum has been in the home for twelve weeks and her dementia has worsened over that time. However, without the excellent care and support from all the staff, it would have been a terrible experience for Mum.
I have total admiration for every staff member who are expertly guided by an excellent management team.
It would be impossible to single out any one person as everyone is so dedicated and hard working.
Thank you.
How likely would you be to recommend Balgowan House? Extremely Likely
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Review submitted from a Postal Card by Edward B (Partner of Resident) on Tuesday 19 December 2017. Relates to December 2017.
An excellent home. Cannot fault it.
How likely would you be to recommend Balgowan House? Extremely Likely
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Review submitted from a Postal Card by Colin H (Cousin of Resident) on Tuesday 19 December 2017. Relates to December 2017.
My cousin has been cared for since June 2015 and has been very happy in her new home. The care and health monitoring is excellent with constant review and discussion regarding her needs.
The staff are stable and very capable, the home manager is approachable and listens to any concerns.
How likely would you be to recommend Balgowan House? Extremely Likely
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Review submitted from a Postal Card by Roma M (Cousin of Resident) on Tuesday 19 December 2017. Relates to December 2017.
My cousin has been at Balgowan House now for nearly two years. The care she has received has been outstanding and cannot be faulted. Balgowan is in a class of its own and should set the benchmark for all care homes. We are eternally grateful to all the lovely staff and especially the manager Clare Baker.
How likely would you be to recommend Balgowan House? Extremely Likely
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Review submitted from a Postal Card by R C (Stepdaughter of Resident) on Tuesday 19 December 2017. Relates to December 2017.
Very friendly, well run home. Very clean. Activities are excellent.
How likely would you be to recommend Balgowan House? Extremely Likely
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Review submitted from a Postal Card by S H (Daughter of Resident) on Tuesday 19 December 2017. Relates to December 2017.
I looked after my father for 8 years in France and when I arrived in England and saw where he was, I was so happy. What a beautiful place.
How likely would you be to recommend Balgowan House? Extremely Likely
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Review submitted from a Postal Card by Bev S (Daughter of Resident) on Monday 8 May 2017. Relates to April 2017.
My mum spent the last 6 weeks of her life at Balgowan. Her needs by they were complicated. The care and love given to my mum were outstanding. The support and kindness afforded my heartbroken, 90year old dad was lovely.
The home is large but cosy, the food of a good standard and the place sparkles.
But it's the lovely, caring, professional staff that make Balgowan a place I would go in my autumn years.
Thank you Balgowan.
How likely would you be to recommend Balgowan House? Extremely Likely
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Review submitted from a Postal Card by Kelly S (Granddaughter of Resident) on Monday 13 February 2017. Relates to January 2017.
Couldn't rate the care given in this facility more highly - excellent treatment given in all areas by all staff. The home has a very warm, open and friendly atmosphere, the staff are excellent and even when faced with difficult situations they remain very professional and caring. The emphasis of 'care' given here is evident, the staff are warm and treat the residents with lots of dignity.
How likely would you be to recommend Balgowan House? Extremely Likely
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Review submitted from a Website Submission by June T (Daughter of Resident) on Thursday 9 February 2017. Relates to January 2017.
Our mum spent her last five months in Balgowan House and our whole family are so pleased we chose this nursing home. The care she has been shown is truly amazing. Nothing has been too much trouble. Sadly, she was practically paralysed so her needs were very high, but at all times she has been treated with dignity, care and love. We visited several homes before Balgowan; as soon as we walked in we knew this was the best: the warmth, openness and smiles of the staff have it standing far above the others we viewed. The ethos of Balgowan is care, and this starts with the astonishing manager. She has never been too busy for a chat, has ceaselessly supported us throughout our mum's stay, with advice, kindness and discretion. And I have to say this has been the case with all of her wonderful team; they became like family to us on our many visits and they all helped make a very difficult situation not only bearable but pleasant. We will miss them all, as well as missing our mum. Thank you.
How likely would you be to recommend Balgowan House? Extremely Likely
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Review submitted from a Website Submission by Janet R (Wife of Resident) on Sunday 20 November 2016. Relates to November 2016.
My husband has late stage Alzheimers and has never been treated without anything except kindness, care and dignity, The manager is excellent, and her staff are just the same - nothing is too much trouble. My husband was not aware that it was his birthday but every member of staff (even though they did not know we were visiting) from manager to cleaner came into his room with a birthday cake and sang Happy Birthday, and when we arrived he had birthday banners up in his room. Nothing is too much trouble and there is always time for a chat, a cup of coffee and a cuddle when everything all becomes too much to bear for myself and my daughters. I would have no hesitation in recommending Balgowan House.
How likely would you be to recommend Balgowan House? Extremely Likely
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Review submitted from a Website Submission by David S (Son of Resident) on Tuesday 8 December 2015. Relates to October 2015.
"This is a nice place, I have a lovely big room, comfy bed and chair and my own TV; the staff are friendly and caring and the food is excellent". This was the entry in our Mum's diary for the day in July after she went to Balgowan for respite. She decided to stay and was very happy there. Unfortunately her recurring illness got the better of her and she passed away in October. During the time she was there the care she received was exceptional; nothing was too much trouble, and also to members of the family when they visited. My memory of Mum's time at Balgowan was sitting with her in the newly refurbished lounge, helping with her puzzle, listening to soft music, enjoying a mug of tea and an excellent Home Made chocolate eclair.
How likely would you be to recommend Balgowan House? Extremely Likely
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There are currently no Care Home Idol entrants who have performed at Balgowan House