Balgowan House

46 Bartholomew Lane, Hythe CT21 4BX
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9.8 75 Reviews
  • Balgowan House, Hythe
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.
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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 40 Service Users

Dementia Care Types

  • Mild Dementia
  • Moderate Dementia

Other Care Provided

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

Facilities

  • Own Furniture if required
  • Close to Local shops
  • Near Public Transport
  • Lift
  • Wheelchair Access
  • Gardens
  • Phone Point in own room
  • Television point in own room
  • Residents Internet Access

Funding & Fees

All fees are dependent on care needs assessment.

Good to Know

Person in charge

  • Ann-Marie Miles (Manager)

Local Authority / Social Services

Admission Criteria

  • Ages 50+

Care Home Design/Build

  • Purpose Built: No
  • Last Refurbishment: 2016

Room Information

  • Single Rooms (34)
  • Couples/Companion Rooms (3)

Visiting

  • Balgowan House welcomes visitors at any time.

Parking

  • Parking is available in the car park as well as unrestricted parking in Bartholomew Lane.

Balgowan House Reviews (75)

9.8

Balgowan House has a Review Score of 9.8 (9.758) out of 10, based on 23 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Balgowan House has 75 reviews.

Overall Experience
  • 66
  • 8
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Date Published
  • 75
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Reviewer Connection to Balgowan House
  • 25
  • 11
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  • 5
  • 4
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  • 3
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  • 1
  • 1
  • 1
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Total of 75, showing 21-40
Review from Lorraine B (Daughter of Resident) published on 13 December 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Thank you for everything you have done for my mother. It was a very difficult decision to make, but with the manager's help, above and beyond to have Mum transferred into the safety of Balgowan after spending six months in hospital - I can’t thank you enough.
All the staff are wonderful; they have
made the transition so much easier for us as a family.
Reply from Angie Cooper, Client Relationship Manager at Balgowan House

Thank you for your kind review. We are so glad you are happy with everything at Balgowan.

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Review from Jane L (Daughter of Resident) published on 13 December 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I am extremely pleased with the standard and quality of care my mum receives at Balgowan House. It is a very well-managed home that has a professional yet homely atmosphere. Communication with families is good. Mum’s care plan is reviewed regularly and evolves according to her changing needs. The nutrition
is carefully planned and food is excellent. There is a varied programme of enjoyable events for residents which promote: social interaction, health and well-being, reminiscing and recall, mental engagement, gentle physical activity, fine motor skills, creativity and singing and perhaps most importantly, laughter. Above all, the compassion and kindness of the hard-working team is superlative. Nursing staff are knowledgeable and always available. Carers and support staff work tirelessly and cheerfully to meet the residents' needs. Each resident is known well by all staff in this relatively small home. This promotes a family atmosphere in which residents and their loved ones are valued.
Reply from Angie Cooper, Client Relationship Manager at Balgowan House

Thank you so much for a very kind review. It is very rewarding for our team to hear such positive feedback.

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Review from Roy W (Brother of Resident) published on 12 December 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My sister has been in Balgowan for nearly three years. In all that time, she has been treated with the utmost care dignity and respect. The staff are always friendly and helpful. I would thoroughly recommend this care home.
Reply from Angie Cooper, Client Relationship Manager at Balgowan House

Thank you very much for your very kind review of Balgowan House.

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Review from Paddy Y (Daughter of Resident) published on 21 September 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mother was in pretty poor shape when admitted to Balgowan House. To comply with her wishes we had tried using an enhanced package of care at home, but this failed miserably as her needs were too great. Over the past nine months her condition has steadily improved. Generally she is so much better
physically, but also her sharpness of wit has returned, much to the delight of the family. The staff at Balgowan go over and above when it comes to care and inclusivity, for which we are very grateful. My mother has just celebrated her 100th birthday and again Balgowan turned up trumps, making it easy for our (rather large) family to be present for that day and to celebrate this special occasion.
My mother is always treated with dignity and kindness and as her family, we feel we can always make enquiries about her without feeling we are being intrusive. My sister and I are so very grateful for the care our mother is receiving and that she is happily settled at Balgowan.
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Review from Jane W (Daughter of Resident) published on 21 September 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Wonderful care home with lovely, dedicated caring staff, including the catering staff who provide an excellent variety of nourishing meals. My mum has been a resident for nearly two years, completely bedbound and it’s a tribute to the level of care she receives that she is still with me. Thank you to
all the team at Balgowan, who work with a combined effort to achieve a shared goal.
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Review from S J (Daughter of Resident) published on 5 September 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The care my dad had for the last year was amazing. All the staff are exceptionally caring. I would recommend Balgowan House to anyone looking for an excellent care home for themselves or a loved one. Thank you so much.
Reply from Angie Cooper, Client Relationship Manager at Balgowan House

Thank you for such a lovely review. I will pass this on to the Balgowan Team.

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Review from T W (Grandson of Resident) published on 27 June 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My grandmother has been at the care home for over 2 months and she has settled in very well. She really enjoys the choice of a wide variety of home-cooked food. They regularly have singers and entertainment. Balgowan feels warm, with a homely atmosphere. The staff of all roles are friendly, caring and
treat people with dignity. We feel glad to know that she is safe and well cared for.
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Review from Laura R (Daughter of Resident) published on 14 June 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Since joining Balgowan House my mothers well being and happiness have greatly improved.
My mother has always been reluctant to enter the care home setting and had very real concerns particularly as the first home she entered was very poor. However, my mother is now happy, able to communicate have regular
visitors and enjoy life. She clearly feels safe and welcome and enjoys the care and personally friendly approach of the staff.
Personal care is dignified and respectful. The food I understand is lovely with a really good degree of flexibility depending on needs and personal preferences.
My mother's health and happiness have been more stable since joining Balgowan and I and my family are very grateful for their care and time.
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Review from N C (Cousin of Resident) published on 10 June 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I (with help from my siblings) moved my elderly relative and his wife into a shared room in Balgowan House towards the end of February 2023. I am to date very satisfied with the care that is being provided for them and we as a family no longer need to worry about their welfare.
When I visited the home
with my sister for a viewing, we knew as soon as we walked through the door that our relatives would be happy living in the home and this has proved to be the case. The staff and management team are very friendly and have been providing the care that they both require.
The activities that are provided for the residents are excellent and special mention needs to be made for the wonderful King's Coronation celebrations that were laid on and thoroughly enjoyed by all involved.
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Review from B W (Granddaughter of Resident) published on 8 June 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Balgowan House provides a very welcoming atmosphere for residents and visiting families. The staff are friendly and kind and always go out of their way to provide whatever my grandmother needs. The home is exceptionally clean, and the resident's bathrooms and bedrooms are always immaculate. The food
is fantastic, freshly cooked and catered to each person's needs. The staff are happy to help make each resident's room feel homely by putting up photos and pictures. I can't fault the care home at all, my grandmother is so lucky to be here and although moving into her first care home at 101 is emotionally a difficult step for her, the staff have been so kind and thoughtful to her and she is enjoying having a new lease of life with friendly residents and staff to chat to.
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Review from Andy H (Son of Resident) published on 6 June 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Mum has been a resident for over 2 years now and I cannot fault a single thing. The staff are friendly, hard-working and caring from the cleaners to the managers. Mum is happy to be there and I am so grateful she got a place there as she is well looked after.
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Review from Phil S (Son of Resident) published on 6 June 2023 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I have found the culture at Balgowan House, which is universally expressed by the staff, to be attentive, caring, friendly and competent. This was especially evident during the pandemic when, right from the start - when the proper response and mitigations were still unknown, the safety of the residents
was ensured by the early adoption of suspending visiting (except from outside, waving through the window!). At each stage of the relaxation of visiting restrictions, from wearing full PPE to just mask-wearing, the feeling was that decisions were being taken based on the correct science and official guidance.
But mainly Balgowan thrives because of a culture of kindness expressed by all the staff, senior and junior. So pleased that my mum got in!
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Review from S B (Daughter of Resident) published on 31 January 2023 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 3.0 out of 5
Grateful thanks to the kind and caring staff working in Balgowan House over the past 18 months before our mother died. Once Covid restrictions were lifted the atmosphere in the home was warm, friendly and as homely as it could be. The end-of-life care Mum received was excellent, compassionate and professional
for which I am most grateful. Good care when she needed it most.
Respectful and tolerant, the staff tried to give our mother the space and freedom to be herself. Cheerful, well-meaning and patient, there was usually someone around with a smile or with an arm to help her.
However, from the viewpoint of an infirm, elderly lady, deaf, with poor sight, reliant on routine, regular and predictable help, this was not always provided. Above all, I would stress that hearing aid management is as important as providing medication. Regrettably, most staff (not all) did not provide the time for adequate daily care and maintenance of hearing aids.
Reply from Angie Peterson, Client Relationship Manager at Balgowan House

Thank you for your review. Kind words and the hearing aid management will be addressed, we appreciate you bringing this to our attention.

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Review from C M (Friend of Resident) published on 8 November 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
From the moment on entering I was made to feel very welcomed. The staff are very attentive not only to the residence but to visitors alike. I've spoken to many of the relatives who all say the same our friends, our relatives, and our loved ones are looked after with compassion. During lockdown when
we were unable to visit we knew their spirits were kept high and shown how to face time. I know my friend is as happy as she can be.
Reply from Angie Peterson, Client Relationship Manager at Balgowan House

Thank you for such a lovely review of the home and the staff.
It is very heartwarming to know that not only our residents feel the compassion we give, but families and friends do too.

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Review from I M (Friend of Resident) published on 8 November 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
When I visit my friend in the care home I am always impressed and delighted to find the staff very helpful and happy. The care home is very clean and well-maintained. There always seem to be activities for the residents to be involved in including garden parties etc.
Reply from Angie Peterson, Client Relationship Manager at Balgowan House

Thank you for such a lovely review of the home and staff.

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Review from Paul D (Friend of Resident) published on 6 October 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Toilet facilities would benefit the residents who have difficulties sitting and standing, a toilet raiser would help.
Reply from Angie Peterson, Client Relationship Manager at Balgowan House

Thank you Paul for your review.
All reviews and comments are taken on board in order for us to improve services and are always very much appreciated.

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Review from Janine T (Daughter of Resident) published on 3 October 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The staff and management at Balgowan House have been absolutely wonderful. They have gone above and beyond to support my Mum and are so kind and patient. They are always happy to give me and my sister advice and support too. The rooms are clean and comfortable and the food is amazing! My mum has settled
so well and calls it "her hotel"! I just can't thank them enough for everything they have done.
Reply from Angie Peterson, Client Relationship Manager at Balgowan House

What a wonderful review! Thank you so much, Janine.

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Review from N D (Niece of Resident) published on 3 October 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The staff that I have met are wonderful! Always helpful and smiley and I know that some of them have taken extra time to spend with my aunt as she is bedbound and it is difficult for us to visit.
Her room is spotlessly clean is the rest of the home. the food she gets always looks delicious and is
specially prepared because of her dietary requirements. She even had a gluten free birthday cake made for her! Thank you all.
Reply from Angie Peterson, Client Relationship Manager at Balgowan House

Thank you. All the team at Balgowan take so much pride and care when looking after our residents. Whilst our first priority is always the residents it is also so rewarding when the families appreciate all the staff do to make each resident happy and cared for.

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Review from Gavin B (Son of Resident) published on 3 October 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Superb home, very caring and Mum has been happy for many years.
Reply from Angie Peterson, Client Relationship Manager at Balgowan House

Thank you so much for your kind review, Gavin. Much appreciated by the Balgowan Team

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Review from Vera L (Resident) published on 30 June 2022 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I have been a resident in Balgowan House now for 2 and a half years. During that time I have received nothing but excellent care and attention. Neither have I ever heard any of the staff speak unkindly or rudely to anyone here. In difficult periods, eg: lockdown, they maintained the same quality of
care somehow. Despite many problems such as shortages of staff etc.
The food is good and plentiful and cleanliness is paramount. Entertainment is often there too. Balgowan is an excellent home locally and deserves it.
Reply from Angie Peterson, Client Relationship Manager at Balgowan House

Thank you so much, Vera. It is so rewarding to hear these lovely reviews from the residents themselves. We are so glad you are happy and well cared for by the Balgowan Team.

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Current Review Score: 9.8 (9.758)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.8 (9.758) out of 10 for Balgowan House is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  1. The Average Rating is 4.8 out of 5 from 23 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 23 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 4.758 for Balgowan House is calculated as follows: ( (209 Excellents x 5) + (55 Goods x 4) + (5 Satisfactorys x 3) ) ÷ 269 Ratings = 4.758
  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 Balgowan House is based on 23 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 40 registered maximum number of service users is 8, which has been reached with 23 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: 16 Jan 2020

Overall Good

  • Caring Good
  • 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. View Latest Report

Bed Vacancies

Please contact us for latest vacancies.

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Awards / Recognitions (0)

Meet the Team (5)

Ann-Marie

Ann-Marie Miles

Job Title: Home Manager Joined: 2016

I qualified as a State Enrolled Nurse in 1983 and later as a Registered General Nurse in 2002, gaining both clinical and management experience within the NHS in both hospital and district nursing environments.


I was appointed to the position of Registered Home Manager of Balgowan House in May 2018 having previously been Registered Manager at another Kent care home.


My time at Balgowan has been incredible and have an amazing team and wonderful residents.

Barbara

Barbara Kelly

Job Title: Deputy Manager

I qualified as a registered Mental Nurse in 1981 gaining experience in a large psychiatric hospital, I then completed my general nurse training in 1985 qualifying in 1986. I worked in a large general hospital in Paisley in both Orthopaedics and General surgery and then moved to Kent in 1989. After moving to Kent I managed a small nursing home for 12 years and then worked for Social services for 15 years as a Care manager and Senior Practitioner.
I joined the Balgowan Team in 2016 as deputy Manager and enjoy working with my colleagues to help run the home.

Cassandra

Cassandra Williams

Job Title: Administrator Joined: 2000

Cassie Williamson started a BTEC National Diploma in Health Studies in 1997, she worked in various roles before joining Balgowan House in March 2000 as a Health Care Assistant (NVQ 3). Cassie very much enjoyed the role and remained in the post for 15 years. In 2015 the Home Manager introduced a new administration role and she was quickly identified as the perfect candidate.


Cassie is a major support to the Home Manager and everything she does is integral to the day-to-day running of the home. The role is extremely busy, but Cassie enjoys the challenges and variety each day brings. Cassie may now be doing the admin work, but she still spends time interacting with the residents and getting involved in the home’s activities and events. She is a very valued member of the Balgowan team.

Maureen

Maureen Cullen

Job Title: Activities Coordinator

Mo is the activities Coordinator for Balgowan House.


She ensures that every resident has interaction and activities each day.


All residents are considered when activities are planned - from arts and crafts to music to events.


Outside entertainers are a regular feature here at Balgowan and family and friends are always welcome.

Cathy and Bev

Cathy and Bev

Job Title: Chef Cook

Cathy has worked for Integrum since 2012, first at Saltwood full time, then here at Balgowan full time. She also is bank Chef between all 3 homes as and when required.


Bev has worked for Balgowan since 2016, first as a carer sometimes helping with the cooking, now just cooking part time!


They pride themselves on cooking, fresh home cooked food for the residents.

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